Midtable MK Dons host struggling Northampton Town at Stadium MK in League One on Saturday. Kick-off is at 15:00.

MK Dons come into the game in an impressive run in form, unbeaten in their last four league games. Their last game was an impressive 1-0 win over promotion-chasing Hull City away from home. 

In contrast, their opponents Northampton Town are in dismal form at the foot of the table. The Cobblers are without a win in 2021 and have only scored once since the turn of the year. They have started to turn a corner under caretaker boss Jon Brady following the sacking of Keith Curle last week.

Team news

Russell Martin has no new injury concerns for the Dons ahead of Saturday. The hosts will be boosted by the return of Jordan Houghton and David Kasumu in midfield.

Cameron Jerome is expected to be back in contention, following an illness. Louis Thompson, Kieran Agard and Jay Bird all remain sidelined for the Dons

The injury situation is looking better for Jon Bradys Northampton. Brady confirmed on Thursday that Alan Sheehan and Mickel Miller could be in contention for Saturday.

While long term absentee Scott Pollock won't be involved, Northampton fans will be pleased to read that the midfielder is back on the training pitch. 

Predicted lineups

MK Dons: Fisher, O'Hara, Darling, Lewington, Surman, Laird, O'Riley, Fraser, Jules, Mason, Grigg.

Northampton Town: Mitchell, Kioso, Horsfall, Jones, Mills, Morris, McWilliams, Watson, Hoskins, Rose, Miller.

Ones to watch

The main threat for the Dons on Saturday will come from midfielder Scott Fraser. Fraser has arguably been the Dons' starman this season with nine goals and five assists so far in the campaign. 

Fraser got an assist against Saturday's opponents last month in a Papa Johns Trophy tie, in which the Dons came out on top by two goals to nil. Fraser was also the difference between the Dons and Hull City on Saturday, scoring the goal which earned MK the three points. 

As for Northampton, former Don Peter Kioso will want to make his mark at Stadium MK, after he was released from Milton Keynes earlier in his career. Kioso has provided a bright attacking threat down the right-hand side since joining the Cobblers in January.

The Irishman was close to his first goal in a claret shirt on Tuesday night against Ipswich Town when he rattled the woodwork in the Cobblers 0-0 draw at Portman Road. 

Previous encounters

The two sides have faced each other 17 times in the Dons short history. The Dons have had a much greater share of the spoils, with 10 wins against the Cobblers.  Northampton have beaten MK only three times with the other four clashes ending in draws. The Cobblers have a terrible record at Stadium MK having never won there. The best result they have picked up was a 0-0 draw, back in 2016.

The two sides have been familiar opponents for each other this season. MK have beaten Saturday's visitors twice in the Papa Johns Trophy during the campaign. The reverse league game was a 0-0 draw at Sixfields. 

Where to watch

MK Dons season ticket holders can watch the game for free on iFollow MK Dons. Those who don't own a season ticket can watch the game for £10 here

Northampton fans can watch the game for the same price on iFollow Cobblers. 

Pre-match quotes

MK boss Russell Martin is expecting a tough game against an energetic Northampton side on Saturday. He told the MK Dons website:

“Things have changed there and the players have reacted really well to it,” Martin commented. “They look like they’ve a lot of energy and freshness, which can happen you get a new lease of life.

“They had a great result (on Tuesday) night and were probably unlucky not to have all three points, so they’ll come here on Saturday full of energy.

“I have no doubts it’s going to be a tough game, as it always is with Northampton, and we will have to make sure we perform to the levels we have done recently.”

Northampton caretaker boss Jon Brady is looking forward to the game and highlighted the importance of having Alan Sheehan and Mickel Miller back for the game on the Northampton website:

"We are looking forward to Saturday. We will have a plan, we will be set up well but everything we do will be very positive.

"Mickel Miller and Alan Sheehan both have a chance of being involved and being part of things at the weekend.

"Both players will be a big boost for us. Mickel adds more balance to us, he is a natural left-footed attacking player and he will bring a freshness to the squad.

"Alan Sheehan is a vital player for us. He has huge experience and we have missed him and his return, whenever it comes, will be huge for us."

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