Previewing MK Dons’ trip to the Pallet-Track Bescot Stadium to face Walsall in League Two, kicking off at 8pm

A spot in the top three is in the offing for MK Dons when they take on Walsall at the Pallet-Track Bescot Stadium on Monday.

After being given a watching brief over the weekend, Dons watched on to see others around them, namely Bromley, Swindon and Salford, drop points while Notts County and Cambridge United, who Dons play next Saturday, both won.

Victory for Paul Warne’s side over the Saddlers would lift them into third spot, putting them on 61 points, level with County and Swindon, but Dons could go ahead on goal-difference.

Of late, Walsall have dropped out of the play-off spots but could make it back in with a two-goal victory over Dons. Mat Sadler’s side though have won only once in their last ten League Two outings. They head into the game in ninth spot, having picked up just four points from a possible 18, with four draws and two defeats.

Earlier this season though, Walsall took all three points back with them from Stadium MK, after Charlie Lakin’s 52nd minute goal secured a 1-0 win.

This evening’s game will be the 31st meeting between the sides, and there is precious little between them during that time. Overall, Dons have won 11 to Walsall’s nine, with ten draws.

Dons have to look back to 2022 for their last win at the Bescot with a 2-0 triumph in the EFL Trophy, but their last league victory there came in April 2017. Last season, the Saddlers ran riot in a 4-2 win as they stretched their legs at the top of the table.

Referee Peter Wright will take charge of the game, his 28th of the season, So far, he has shown 110 yellows, sent three off and awarded seven penalties.

Neither side have had great luck with Wright in charge. In 15 games combined, the sides have only won twice with him officiating. In six Dons games, they have won one, drawn four and lost once, while he has taken charge of nine Walsall games, but only one of this has been a win, with six ended in defeat and two draws.

Dons last saw him in November 2023 and the 1-1 draw with Grimsby, while Walsall saw him only three days earlier and their 0-0 draw with Forest Green.

Assistants Kenwyn Hughes and Matthew Moss will run the lines with fourth official Dean Watson.

Bookmakers bet365.com have MK Dons at 5/4 to win the game, with the Walsall and the draw both at 11/5.