MK Dons return to League One action on Saturday, welcoming Reading to Stadium MK.
Paul Warne’s side will turn their attention back to the league for the first time since the middle of September, after an extended international break led to the postponements against Barnsley and Bromley. The Dons remain without a league victory following six draws and one defeat from their opening seven matches, leaving them 22nd in the table.
However, successive wins in the EFL Trophy have provided encouragement ahead of the Royals’ visit.
Having beaten Crawley Town 4-1, the Dons followed that up with an emphatic 7-1 victory over Brentford U21s on Tuesday evening. Aaron Collins scored a hat-trick, while Charlie Goode, Ibrahim Fullah, Sam Nombe and Simone Troso also found the net.
Collins’ recent performances offer particular encouragement as Warne’s men attempt to turn draws into three points. Their most recent league outing ended goalless at AFC Wimbledon, following draws against Wycombe Wanderers and Peterborough United.
Reading currently sit seventh in the league, just one point outside the play-off places, and unbeaten in their last three league fixtures.
Leam Richardson’s side drew 1-1 with Bradford City last weekend, with Udoka Godwin-Malife’s second-half equaliser cancelling out Jake Beesley’s early opener.
The Dons will be without Nathaniel Mendez-Laing, who had his contract terminated earlier today. Paul Warne has hinted at a few knocks within his squad, but the players remain unnamed.
The visitors will be without leading scorer Jack Marriott, who faces several weeks on the sidelines after suffering an ankle injury against Wycombe. Marriott has scored eight in seven league appearances this season, making his absence a significant blow to the Royals.
Reading are also missing midfielder George Earthy with a foot injury, while Jacob Brown started in Marriott’s absence against Bradford and assisted Godwin-Malife’s equaliser.
MK Dons have won one, drawn two and lost two of their five meetings with Reading. The Dons will be hoping to improve that record on Saturday as they look to secure their first league victory of the season.
The referee for Saturday’s encounter is Matthew Corlett, who averages 4.6 yellow cards per game across the previous two years in the third tier.
Kick-off at Stadium MK is at 3pm.
Tickets can be purchased from the MK Dons website: https://www.eticketing.co.uk/mkdons/Events
