MK Dons and Bolton Wanderers lock horns at Stadium:mk on Tuesday evening – looking to get back on track, following their respective defeats on Saturday afternoon.
A solitary goal from Paul Gallagher saw the Dons slip to a home defeat to Preston North End, meanwhile Bolton were on the wrong side of a 3-0 score-line against Middlesbrough at the Riverside, as goals from Diego Fabbrini and Kike’s brace wrapped up the three-points for Aitor Karanka’s side.
Team News
MK Dons winger Robert Hall will be unable to face his parent club, as part of his season long-loan agreement with the Buckinghamshire outfit.
Midfielder Mark Randall is doubtful for the visit of Bolton, after missing the Preston game. Bolton captain Darren Pratley will miss the game against the Dons, as he sustained ankle ligament damage in the opening day draw at home to Derby County.
Manager Neil Lennon confirmed that striker Zach Clough is in contention to start the game, with concerns remaining regarding the fitness of Gary Madine. Defenders David Wheater and Derik Osede remain on the side-lines, as does midfielder Liam Trotter, who has a hamstring injury.
Max Clayton is also a few weeks away from a first-team return following a cruciate ligament injury he suffered last December.
American international Tim Ream is unlikely to feature, with the 27-year-old set to leave the club in the transfer window, with Fulham and Queens Park Rangers interested in his signature.
Head-to-head
Mk Dons and Bolton Wanderers will meet for the very first time in Tuesday’s Championship clash.
The managers
MK Dons boss Karl Robinson is looking forward to coming up against old friend Neil Lennon, when his newly-promoted team host Bolton, in what will be the Dons first real test of their Championship adventure.
The Liverpudlian said: “I’ll be playing against arguably one of my best friends,” he said. “He’s someone I’ve known a long time, and someone I’ve spent a lot of time with away from football too.
“I’ve been looking forward to this one for a long time.”
Speaking ahead of the game in Milton Keynes, Wanderers manager Neil Lennon revealed that he is “concerned” at the side’s lack of prowess in front of goal.
In an interview with the club’s official website, the Northern Irishman said: “I’m not overly concerned about the lack of goals, because the manner of the performances, aside from the one half at Middlesbrough, has been good.
“We’ll be a lot stronger going forward come Tuesday night. We’re hoping to get a deal concluded for an attacking player before Tuesday’s game. He’s with us at the moment and hopefully that’ll be finalised before the game.