Previewing MK Dons’ trip to Plough Lane to take on AFC Wimbledon on Thursday night, kicking off at 8pm

MK Dons make their return to Plough Lane on Thursday night not only to face their biggest rivals, but seeking their first win in League One this season.

It has been two years since the last meeting between the sides in south London, with it ending in a 3-0 rout for the hosts, ultimately leading to their promotion that season.

While the sides did not cross paths until 2012, Thursday night’s game will be the 19th encounter between the sides. MK Dons have claimed the spoils in eight of them, with five draws (one resulting in an MK Dons penalty shootout win) while AFC Wimbledon have won five.

It has not been a happy fixture for the side from Milton Keynes in recent memory, losing three of the last four, and they are without a win at Plough Lane since January 2021.

Johnnie Jackson’s side have made a strong start to the campaign, with three wins in their last four games, putting them in seventh with ten points.

Paul Warne’s squad meanwhile have only been beaten once this term, but have drawn the other five games to see them in 20th spot.

An appearance for Alex Gilbey in what would be his tenth appearance in the fixture would be his 250th outing for MK Dons since his first spell began in 2017.

Richard Eley will take charge of the game, his sixth game of the season. So far, he has shown 15 yellow cards and awarded one penalty. He has never overseen MK Dons but has reffed AFC Wimbledon three times, seeing two draws and a defeat.

Assistant Referees Stephen Finch and Kevin Howick will run the lines with Fourth Official Alex Bradley.