A look ahead to MK Dons' penultimate home game against Newport County

Paul Warne will take MK Dons for the first time in his new surrounds on Good Friday when they take on Newport County at Stadium MK.

Warne becomes the fifth head coach to lead the side this season, and with four games to go, the side are still at threat of relegation.

To mathematically secure their place in League Two next season though, Dons must better the result of Carlisle United, who take on high-flying Port Vale. A draw would likely be enough too if Mark Hughes’ do the same, with Dons having a much better goal-difference. Newport arrive at Stadium MK just one point and one place above Dons, and also could secure their safety should Carlisle be beaten at Brunton Park.

Neither side head into the game in much form. Both sides have just four points from their last six games, with a win and a draw, though Dons are on the back of a four-game losing run, while Newport have lost two straight since their last point. Form on the road has rough for Nelson Jardim’s side too, with their last win away from come coming in early February.

The clash between the sides at Rodney Parade back in December sparked Dons’ dramatic collapse under Scott Lindsey. The bonkers 6-3 defeat in Wales was the first domino to fall for Lindsey, as the side spiralled out of control into the run they are still enduring, dropping from third spot to 19th. It was only Newport’s second win over Dons in the eight games between the sides. Dons have claimed wins in fifth of those eight, and have won all three of the fixtures at Stadium MK.

Referee Abigail Byrne will take charge of the game, her first in charge of either side. In 20 matches this season, she has shown 80 yellow cards, three reds and awarded four penalties. Marcus Carmichael and Steven Plane will fly up and down the lines, with Fourth Official Alex Mathieson.

Bookmakers bet365.com have Dons at 8/15 to benefit from the new manager bounce and win in Warne’s first game in charge, while they offer Newport spoiling the party at 4/1, with 7/2 the draw.