Match Preview: Bolton Wanderers vs. MK Dons

Wanderers welcome Russell Martin’s MK Dons on Saturday afternoon for a Sky Bet League One clash at the University of Bolton Stadium.

MK Dons currently sit 21st in the Sky Bet League One at the time of writing and they haven’t won in their last six games.

Their last fixture in the league against Tranmere Rovers ended in 3-1 home defeat.

Team News

When speaking to Wanderers boss Keith Hill in his pre-match press conference, we are no clearer on return dates for some of ever long injury list.

Club Collection

Supporters attending today’s Sky Bet League One match against MK Dons at the University of Bolton Stadium will be able to bring donations of food, clothes, toiletries and other essential items for those affected by the fire at a student accommodation block in Bolton Town Centre last night.

A collection point will be open from 12:30pm in the Premier Suite reception, which is opposite Bolton Central.

A Club Spokesperson said: “The thoughts of everybody at the club, Bolton Whites Hotel and our Community Trust are with all those affected by the fire last night and we wish to support our friends and partners, the University of Bolton and their students at this very difficult time.

“We would encourage those attending today’s match to bring anything to the stadium that will benefit those who have lost essential items in the devastating blaze."

The University of Bolton have also issued a helpline for concerned family and friends. The number is 01204 903733.

Head to Head

Wanderers and MK Dons have faced each other on four occasions, with the Whites coming out on top in one of those clashes.

The last time the two teams met was in February 2017, in Sky Bet League One.

The game finished as a 1-1 draw between the sides, with Jay Spearing putting the Whites in the lead before a Kieran Agard strike earing a draw for the Dons.

Match Coverage:

As usual, match updates will be provided by the club’s official twitter account (@OfficialBWFC). We will keep you up to date with the action to ensure you don’t miss a kick – delivering a match report shortly after the final whistle with post-match reaction from manager, Keith Hill.

Live commentary will also be available by the iFollow BWFC channel (subscribe via the website), with the BBC Radio Manchester team providing the coverage.

Betting Odds

Wanderers are the favourites heading into this one. The home side are fancied to take this one by Sky Bet and are priced at 7/5 at the time of writing.

MK Dons are priced at 17/10 to register a second league victory of the 2019/20 campaign and you can get the draw at 23/10.

Man in the Middle:

Saturday afternoon’s game will be officiated by Andrew Madley.

He has officiated eight matches this season with his latest a 4-2 home victory for Cardiff City against Birmingham City in the Sky Bet Championship.

This season, he has dished out 27 yellow cards and three red cards.

During his nine seasons in the professional refereeing ranks, Madley last refereed Wanderers in February 2019, which finished in a 2-1 away defeat for the Trotters.

Ian Hussin and Simon Beck will act as his assistants, with Jonathan Hunt the fourth official for Saturday’s fixture.

Key Man for the Dons – Ben Reeves

When looking at the MK Dons side, Ben Reeves is the main man leading the line for Russell Martin’s side.

The Northern Ireland international has made over 100 appearances for the Dons in two stints at the club, with his return coming in August 2019.

He has one goal to his name in Sky Bet League One so far, which came in a 3-1 home defeat against Tranmere Rovers.

The 27-year-old has had success at MK in the past, winning promotion to the Sky Bet Championship in 2014/15 and both Player’s Player and Player of the Year the season prior.

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