Two teams with League Two promotion aspirations will meet on Good Friday for a bank holiday encounter of high importance to their individual campaigns.

MK Dons will play host to Walsall, with both teams attempting to get back to winning ways after disappointing previous outings.

Match preview

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MK Dons head into this match sat just outside of the automatic promotion spots in fourth place, and a victory this weekend could change that as there are only three points between themselves and Wrexham.

However, an improved performance from their last outing will be required as Mike Williamson's men fell way short of the standards they have set for themselves this year.

Not only were they beaten by fellow promotion hopefuls Stockport County, but MK Dons were dominated as they suffered a 5-0 thrashing, and fans will be eager to see a response.

That defeat saw the gap for automatic spots increase which will add to the pressure expected of the Dons, but they have been much more dominant in home fixtures this season.

MK Dons have only lost three times at Stadium MK this season in comparison to the 10 defeats they have been handed on the road, which is why they should display much more confidence this time out.

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The visitors are currently sitting in 10th place, but with only three points keeping them out of the playoff positions, they remain in the hunt for promotion.

However, Walsall will need to start picking up victories more consistently if they want to turn that dream into reality, having failed to win in their last three outings.

A defeat against Forest Green Rovers was followed up by consecutive draws, despite the fact they led in both of those matches, which has placed some pressure on the team heading into the final stretch of the season.

The Saddlers also shared the points when they last faced MK Dons, with the two teams battling out a goalless draw earlier on this season, giving neither a distinctive advantage heading into Friday's meeting.

Performances away from home have left a lot to be desired from a Walsall perspective, though, and with only five wins on the road, it is an area that requires improvement.

Team News

Matthew Dennis was unavailable for MK Dons last weekend due to injury, and that is likely going to provide Emre Tezgel another opportunity to start, while Dan Kemp is still a concern.

The hosts lost Nathan Harness due to a loan move to Gateshead, but they welcomed Filip Marschall back into the matchday squad for the loss against Stockport County, although he was not fit enough to start from the first minute.

Walsall will welcome back a trio of players on Friday following the international break as Liam Gordon, Brandon Comley and Cayden Bennett will all be available for selection again.

Mo Faal's minutes have been managed lately by Walsall as the striker is fasting for Ramadan, so it is expected he will not play a full 90 minutes once again.

MK Dons possible starting lineup:
Kelly; Williams, O'Hora, Harvie; Lofthouse, Bate, Payne, Tomlinson; Gilbey, Wearne; Tezgel

Walsall possible starting lineup:
Smith; Adegboyega, Okagbue, Allen; Gordon, Ealing, Hutchinson, Comley, Foulkes; J. Gordon, Faal

We say: MK Dons 1-1 Walsall

Both teams are aiming to be promoted out of League Two this season and that makes matches like this crucially important, but can also lead to cautious displays.

Considering they are each coming into this one on the back of poor performances, it could be a case of taking a point that is better than gambling for all three.


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