A look ahead to MK Dons' first game of 2026 against Colchester United
Previewing the League Two clash between Colchester United and MK Dons at the Jobserve Community Stadium, kicking off at 3pm
It is the second time Dons have faced Danny Cowley’s side in a couple of months, having made the trip back in November for the FA Cup first-round game. Two goals from Rushian Hepburn-Murphy and a late Joe Tomlinson strike saw Dons twice come from behind to win 3-2. It was the 15th win for Dons over the U’s in the 28 meetings between the sides, with Colchester claiming nine victories.
Six places separate the sides heading into the New Year’s clash, with the Essex side sat 10th in League Two. Their form of late has been lacklustre, with just one win coming from their last six matches. In that time, Dons have won three, drawn two and lost one to leave them fourth at the turn of the year.
Away form had been the backbone of Dons’ season early on, and they have only lost twice on the road all term, while Colchester’s home form is 14th in League Two, with four wins, four draws and three defeats on home soil in the division.
Ex-Dons Jack Payne and Jack Tucker have both been regulars for Colchester this term, with the former having made his 500th professional appearance last time out in the 1-1 draw with Gillingham.
Referee Stephen Parkinson will take charge of the game. In his 20 games this season, he has shown 76 yellow cards, three reds and awarded five penalties.
Dons saw him earlier this season in the 1-1 draw with Crawley Town, one of two draws he has overseen. His only U’s game was a 3-0 win over Arsenal U21s in the EFL Trophy last season.
Assistant Referees Andy Bennett and Ross Murphy will run the lines with Fourth Official Adrian Tranter.
Bookmakers bet365.com have MK Dons at 7/4 to win the game, with Colchester at 6/4 and 9/4 the draw.