Preview: Doncaster Rovers vs MK Dons

MK Dons travel to Doncaster Rovers on Saturday in their 13th game of their League 1 campaign.

Fresh off a 2-1 victory over Fleetwood Town on Tuesday which lifted them to 4th place, the Dons will be full of confidence and eager to close the gap on 2nd place Peterborough who are just three points ahead, but have played two more games than the Dons.

Kyle McFadzean and Dean Bowditch will be monitored before the game after both were forced off last time out, while George Baldock (ankle), Danny Green (hamstring) and Lee Hodson (ankle) remain long-term absentees.

McFadzean, a part of an improving Dons defence in recent games, is a worry, but Bowditch`s injury could be a blessing in disguise. The winger played well against Fleetwood but has been overall mediocre this season, and the likes of Carruthers and Baker deserve a starting place after impressing in their mainly brief appearances so far.

Benik Afobe, who scored the winner on Tuesday after replacing his fellow striker, could lead the line ahead of Will Grigg.

Doncaster will be without defender Rob Jones due to a knee injury, although new signing Andy Butler could go straight into the starting line-up after the defender`s loan move from Sheffield United.

Doncaster sit a disappointing 17th in the league after losing their last two to Fleetwood and Leyton Orient, also the Don`s last two opponents who we were relatively comfortable against. To add further weakness Rovers have a worse home than away record, and it is shaping up as a game where the Dons are very much the favourites.

However Doncaster, who sit just one point above the relegation zone, will be desperate to get three points and claim a fourth victory over the Dons in seven meetings. This was mirrored by manager Paul Dickov, who told Rovers Player:

“Regardless of the result (on Tuesday), Saturday was always going to be a big game. It just makes it a little bit bigger now.

“Things can turn around in football very quickly. We have to keep on going and we have to keep on believing in ourselves.”

Dons manager Karl Robinson spoke with caution, telling MK Dons Player:
“It`s a game we`re looking forward to. People may look at their recent results but it`s not right for us to do so.”

But however much respect you should give the opposition, this is a game the Dons need to win if they want to maintain a challenge for automatic promotion.