MK Dons start their Championship campaign away at Rotherham United on Saturday as the new season swings back into action this weekend.
Karl Robinson's men finally cracked League One at the seventh time of asking, and will hope to emulate Saturday's opponents who survived in their return to the second tier last year.
Rotherham United
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After earning back-to-back promotions to confirm their place in the Championship ahead of last season, Rotherham were favourites to go straight back down to League One.
However, the Millers managed to keep their heads above the cut-off line for the majority of the campaign and eventually secured a 21st-place finish despite a late wobble.
Safety looked assured as they headed into the final two months but a wretched run of form, which saw them lose seven out of nine games through spring, had them looking nervously over their shoulders.
Manager Steve Evans eventually pushed them over the line, and they will hope to build on that this season and finish higher up the league.
Evans has made several summer signings, and a brand new defence of Greg Halford, Tom Thorpe, Danny Collins and Lewis Buxton could line up this season.
Leeds United's Aiden White and Middlesbrough's Emmanuel Ledesma have also joined on permanent deals, while Evans is likely to make a move for more players before deadline day on September 1.
Their pre-season form has been encouraging and they will take confidence from their win against Bundesliga side Mainz 05 last week.
Pre-season form: LWWDLW
MK Dons
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Survival is the aim for MK Dons this season, and a fast start is normally vital to adjusting to a harder division.
Karl Robinson guided his side to automatic promotion with a second-place finish, and can look forward to early-season games against Bolton Wanderers and Birmingham City.
However, their second game of the campaign will be important, as they host fellow newcomers Preston North End.
In the transfer market, the Dons have lost Delle Ali and Will Grigg, but eight new players have arrived so far.
Veteran defender Matthew Upson will add much-needed experience at the back, while Simon Church and Dale Jennings will be relied upon to find the net in attack.
Pre-season has been a cause for concern ahead of their trip to Rotherham, as the Dons have lost their last five games and have not won since a 6-0 win over Newport Pagnell in mid-July.
They will be hoping to put that form behind them when they line up on Saturday afternoon.
Recent form: DLLLLL
Team News
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Rotherham could give a debut to new signings Halford, Buxton, Thorpe and Joe Mattock in the backline, while former loanee Ledesma should slot straight back into midfield.
Aiden White could also get the nod in midfield, supporting main striker Matt Derbyshire in attack.
Simon Church is expected to start up front for MK Dons, with the likes of Ben Reeves offering support from midfield as the visitors look to make a positive start to the campaign.
Matthew Upson could start alongside Dean Lewington in defence and try to stop Derbyshire and co from finding the back of the net.
Rotherham United possible starting lineup:
Loach, Halford, Buxton, Thorpe, Mattock, Bowery, Frecklington, Ledesma, Green, White, Derbyshire.
MK Dons possible starting lineup:
Martin, Spence, Kay, Upson, Lewington, Potter, Carruthers, Hall, Reeves, Bowditch, Church.
Head To Head
The Dons are set to meet several teams that they have never faced before this season, but they have played six games against Rotherham.
However, they are yet to win against the Millers and have tasted defeat on two occasions.
In the 2013-14 season, these two played out two entertaining matches as Rotherham claimed the first 3-2, before a 2-2 draw late in the campaign.
We say: Rotherham United 2-1 MK Dons
Despite the momentum of promotion, MK Dons have lost two key players and their pre-season form is a cause for concern which makes Rotherham the favourites for the match.
The home side have strengthened defensively, and with the crowd behind them they will be confident of success.
Charlie Bennett
