Previewing MK Dons’ trip to the Alexandra Stadium to take on Crewe on Saturday, kicking off at 3pm

MK Dons could take a huge step towards automatic promotion with a win over Crewe on Saturday.

Although their spot in the top three cannot be cemented this weekend, Paul Warne’s side can put one toe into League One with a win, heading into the final two games of the season in a strong spot.

Crewe meanwhile head into the game in tenth, but still have an outside chance of reaching the play-offs. Lee Bell’s side are six points adrift of the top seven and will likely need to win all three of their remaining matches, while hoping for those above them to slip up, in order to extend their season beyond the first week of May.

The Railwaymen though have been, by Bell’s admission, ‘up and down’ in recent weeks, with three wins, four defeats and a draw from their last eight, culminating in their drop off the pace towards the end of the campaign. Dons though have not fared much better, with four wins, two defeats and two draws keeping them in second spot heading towards the end.

More than 1,000 Dons fans will pack the Ice Cream Van Stand to cheer on their side, but Crewe are no slouches on home soil, losing on just five occasions all season, winning 12 and drawing times - the fifth best home record in the division. Dons though have the division’s best record on the road, losing just four times away all season.

But their record at Gresty Road is not great over the years. In ten meetings, Dons have won only three times, but those three have been memorable for the travelling supporters. Last season’s game saw pantomime villain Filip Marshall make a mistake to allow Scott Hogan to score the only goal of the game to secure Dons’ safety in League Two, while the 4-1 win in October 2021 and the 5-0 win in January 2014 were emphatic.

Earlier this season, Paul Warne’s side were 3-1 winners at Stadium MK, thanks to Will Collar and an Alex Gilbey brace.

Overall, Dons have won nine of the 20 meetings, with Crewe claiming seven wins.

Referee Zac Kennard-Kettle will take charge of the game. Pretty card-happy this season, the official has shown 140 yellow cards and five reds during his 35 matches this season, while awarding 10 penalties. Son of former EFL ref Trevor Kettle, Kennard-Kettle has taken charge of Dons twice, most recently in the FA Cup second round win over Oldham in December.

Assistants Jake Topp and Mark Cunliffe will run the lines with Fourth Official Michael Barlow.

Bookmakers bet365.com have Dons at 9/10 to win the game, with Crewe at 13/5 and 12/5 the draw.