Paul Warne spoke ahead of Saturday’s clash between MK Dons and Salford City

Victory for either side when MK Dons meet Salford City on Saturday could be huge in their respective promotion races, Paul Warne believes.

Both sides head into the game off the back of defeats last time out, ending four-game winning runs which have thrust them firmly into strong positions for the final seven matches of the season. For Dons, they sit second, five points clear of Karl Robinson’s Salford in sixth, themselves five points from falling out of the top seven.

Picking up three points against a promotion rival would be massive for both sides, Dons boss Warne said ahead of the game at the Peninsula Stadium, admitting a draw probably is not ideal for either.

He said: “Playing against Karl’s team on their pitch, with them hitting good form is tough, and they’ll know if they’re to get one of the automatic promotion places, this is a big game for them to win.

“Equally, I know if we win, it’s a massive win for us. A draw doesn’t really help either of us.

“It’s an exciting part of the season now. If I wasn’t a football manager, I’d love a day out with the MK fans, have a good afternoon out, they’ve been brilliant. These are the games you know you’re alive for.”

Ammies boss Robinson is certainly no stranger to Dons, having spend six-and-a-half years at the club, leading them to promotion to the Chamoionship in 2015.

When the sides met earlier this season, Warne said he was not a happy man despite Dons’ 2-0 win, believing Salford were the better side on the day.

And given Robinson’s history with Dons, Warne expects the hosts to give it a little bit extra for their coach on Saturday.

He continued: “Karl’s career here was unrivalled, and I know if I took my team to Derby or Rotherham, there’s an extra element. We dropped four points to Crawley this year, and I don’t think there was much wrong with our performances but the efforts they put into those games was through the roof.

I know when Salford played here earlier this year, I think they were probably the best team who have played here. We won 2-0 but afterwards, I told the lads that was not an acceptable performance because I don’t think we were that good.

“Every team on their day is a frightening team. Hopefully our team comes out on top. But not many teams have gone there and turned them over.”