A look ahead to MK Dons’ FA Cup first round game with Swindon Town at Stadium MK, kicking off at 3pm

The world’s most famous cup competition returns to Stadium MK this Saturday as MK Dons host Swindon Town in the first round of the FA Cup.

Since the draw was may in mid-October, both sides have dramatically improved their form and climbed their respective tables. Paul Warne’s side head into the game off the back of three consecutive wins, most recently the 6-1 thumping of Doncaster Rovers, lifting them into the top half of the League One, while two wins and a draw have seen Ian Holloway’s Robins jump from 18th to 13th in League Two.

The teams are certainly no strangers to each other down the years. Since 2004, they have played 32 times, with Dons coming out on top in 17 of them to Swindon’s seven. And they played each other three times last season, with Dons winning both league games, but a largely academy-based squad were well beaten in the EFL Trophy, losing 4-0 at Stadium MK.

The only other time the sides have met outside of league competition came in the EFL Cup back in 2009 when the Robins ran out 4-1 winners.

Last season, Dons reached the third round of the FA Cup, beating Colchester United and Oldham Athletic before losing to Oxford United, then in the Championship, on penalties after a 1-1 draw at Stadium MK.

Swindon also made it through to the third round, having beaten League One opposition in the form of Rotherham United and Bolton Wanderers but were beaten by fellow League Two side Salford City, then managed by Karl Robinson, losing 3-2 at the Peninsula Stadium.

Referee Aaron Jackson will take charge of the game. In his 12 games so far this season, Jackson has shown 31 yellow cards but no reds, awarding four penalties. He has never officiated either side before.

Assistants Graham Swanton and Ryan Head will run the lines with Fourth Official Ayrton Hursey.