Take a closer look at the latest stats and facts in our match preview ahead of Town's Sky Bet League One clash with MK Dons.
MK Dons visit Montgomery Waters Meadow in form having won four of their last five Sky Bet League One fixtures - drawing the other game 2-2 with league giants Sunderland. During this run, Russell Martin's team have picked up impressive victories over Hull City, Rochdale, AFC Wimbledon and Northampton Town.
So far this season, MK Dons frontman Cameron Jerome has netted on 10 occasions in the league as well as contributing with four assists. With the addition of Will Grigg, the home side will prove a stern rest for the resolute Salop backline.
Name: Milton Keynes Dons Football Club
Nickname: The Dons
Founded: 2004
Biggest win: 7-0, Oldham Athletic, 2014
Biggest loss: 0-5, Burnley, 2016
Highest league finish: 23rd, Sky Bet Championship, 2015/16
Read Aaron Wilbraham's thoughts ahead of the tie...
Aaron Wilbraham previews Town's clash with MK Dons
The Manager – Russell Martin
Russell Martin is in his first spell as manager after enjoying an illustrious playing career - one which saw him make over 580 career appearances, earn 29 international caps and achieve promotion from each EFL division.
The 34-year-old spent the formative years of his playing career in the Brighton and Hove Albion Academy but would leave East Sussex in 2004 to join Lewes. The bulk of his playing career was spent with Norwich City, where the former defender spent eight years - four of which were spent in the Premier League with the Canaries.
Off the pitch, Martin runs his own charitable foundation in Brighton - the Russell Martin Foundation. The organisation gives kids the chance to play football and work their way into academy football. Having become vegan in 2014 for health reasons, Martin is also part-owner of Erpingham House, the largest vegan restaurant in the UK.
Defender - Dean Lewington
Lewington is English football’s longest-serving active player and is rapidly approaching his 800th career appearance and is the current captain at Stadium MK.
A member of the inaugural Dons side in 2004/05, the left-back has been a consistent figure ever since, helping the team achieve three promotions and helped the club lift the Papa John’s Trophy at Wembley Stadium. He has donned the captain’s armband since 2008.
Midfielder – Andrew Surman
MK Dons bolstered their midfield with the signing of Andrew Surman in mid-November. The former AFC Bournemouth captain arrived at Stadium MK on a free transfer, having left the Cherries in June 2020.
Surman has totalled over 450 appearances so far in his career, the majority of which have come in the Premier League for clubs such as Southampton, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Norwich City and, most recently, Bournemouth.
Forward - Will Grigg
Will Grigg sealed a return to MK Dons in the final hours of the January Transfer Window, reuniting the Club with their leading goalscorer from the 2014/15 promotion-winning season.
The Northern Ireland international netted 22 times in just 50 appearances during a prolific campaign at Stadium MK, helping to fire the Dons to their first-ever promotion to the Championship.
Grigg, who has scored 127 career goals for the likes of Walsall, Brentford, Wigan Athletic and Sunderland, will bolster Russell Martin’s strikeforce for the remainder of the 2020/21 season.
League stats panel:
Officials:
Referee: Leigh Doughty
Assistants: Adam Crysell and Matthew Jones
Fourth Official: Mark Russell
