Previewing the first of the home double header for MK Dons, starting against Shrewsbury on Saturday, kicking off at 3pm

MK Dons play two home games in four days, kicking off on Saturday against Shrewsbury Town.

The Shrews head to MK1 struggling in 20th spot, hoping their win last week against fellow strugglers Harrogate can kick-start a turnaround. Since the middle of October, Michael Appleton’s side have won just three league games.

Prior to last Saturday’s much-needed victory, Salop had been on a tough ten-game run, losing six and drawing three, with an extra-time win over non-league Sutton in the FA Cup their only triumph in that time.

Dons too picked up a win last time out, beating Accrington 2-0, to keep them fifth in League Two. It has been a patchy time for Paul Warne’s side, with the win their first since Boxing Day, after picking up two draws and two defeats in between.

While they were beaten at home last time out in the FA Cup, albeit on penalties to Championship side Oxford, Dons have not lost at home in League Two since September 20 when they suffered a 2-1 reverse to Accrington. Since then, Warne’s men have looked strong on home soil.

Shrewsbury fans though have had a tough year on the road, with just one win away from Croud Meadow to celebrate, and that came at the start of September with their win over Barnet. Appleton’s side have the second-worst away record in the division.

Curtis Nelson could make his first appearance at Stadium MK as a Dons player after signing and making his debut against Accrington last week, but one man who will not be involved is Chuks Aneke, with the former Dons striker released by Shrewsbury a few days ago.

It will be the 24th meeting between the sides this afternoon, with Dons claiming wins in nine of them to Shrewsbury’s seven. They claimed a late victory at MK1 on their visit in January 2023, with Tom Bayliss scoring the only goal of the game in the 89th minute - one of three wins they have had in Milton Keynes in 11 visits.

National League referee Alan Dale is getting his first experience of EFL football by taking charge of the game. In his 12 games this season, he has shown 40 yellow cards, two reds and awarded two penalties. He has never taken charge of either side.

Assistants Kevin Howick and Danny Guest will run the lines with Fourth Official Dan England.

Bookmakers bet365.com have Dons at 8/15 to win the game, with Shrewsbury at 19/4 and 27/10 the draw.