A look ahead to MK Dons' home clash with Newport County

Relegation strugglers Newport County are next up for MK Dons in a double-header at Stadium MK this week.

The Exiles head to MK1 on Saturday before former Dons boss Scott Lindsey brings Crawley Town back to town three days later.

It has been a tough start to life at Rodney Parade for boss Christian Fuchs. In his 14 games in charge, they have lost eight, drawn four and won only twice, only one of them coming this side of the New Year. In fact, they have only won three games since October 25 and the 3-0 win at Harrogate - their last success on the road.

Their run heading into the game, Newport have lost three of their last four, with only a point to their name, and just 10 points from a possible 30. On Wednesday, they were beaten 2-0 by Swindon who moved into second spot in League Two.

Dons meanwhile are six unbeaten in the league, and haven’t been beaten in 90 minutes since New Year’s Day.

Home form has become a huge part of Dons’ promotion hunt this season. Not tasting defeat at Stadium MK in the league since September 20, they have been unbeaten in nine at home, picking up seven wins and two draws in that time.

The sides have met ten times previously, with Dons coming out on top six times, with two draws and two Newport wins. When the sides met earlier in the season, it was a spicy affair at Rodney Parade, but one which saw Dons come out on top 2-1 in south Wales.

The meeting at Stadium MK last April was Paul Warne’s first after taking over at the helm, and ended in a 0-0 draw.

Referee Harrison Blair will take charge of the game. Predominantly a National League referee, he has shown 84 yellow cards in 22 matches this season, showing off three red cards and awarding five penalties. He has never officiated either side.

Assistants Grant Taylor and Greg Read will run the likes with fourth official Callum Fisk.

Bookmakers bet365.com have Dons at 3/10 to win the game, with Newport out at 7/1and 15/4 the draw.