Leeds United v. MK Dons: Preview, history, match info

MK Dons were established in 2004 after the relocation of Wimbledon FC to Milton Keynes. Since their inception, they have never won at Elland Road. And it is Leeds United who finished 2015 stronger out of the two teams. Although the Whites are now unbeaten in 6 games and confidence that they can get a positive result out of the game is high, three points is never a guarantee. Teams love coming to big grounds with a sizable crowd and always raise their games against teams like Leeds.

Consistency is the key if Leeds are to keep their slim hopes of a playoff position alive. With that in mind, Steve Evans is likely to go for a similar lineup to the one he featured in the last 2 games. Doubts exist over Chris Wood who is currently rated at a 50/50 chance of playing after his hamstring injury picked up in the draw at home to Derby County.

With Wood finding the net in that fixture, he will be keen to get match time and will make the lineup if he can. Should that not be possible, it will be Doukara or Antenucci, and I think Doukara would get the nod.

MK Dons Players to Look Out For

Tricky winger Daniel Powell, if available, could cause problems for the Whites defence, as could Diego Poyet (son of former Leeds United assistant Coach Gus Poyet).  Former Premier League striker Nicky Maynard was once a sought-after striker, Leeds being one of the clubs who had previously expressed an interest in his services; however, he has scored just 3 goals from 14 appearances. Dean Lewington has been with MK Dons since their creation in 2004 (not many players can say that), and the stalwart will be hoping to captain a side winning for the first time at Elland Road.

Stats

There have been 10 games in total at Leeds between the 2 clubs (includes Wimbledon FC stats). Leeds have won 6 of those encounters, the remaining 4 games have been draws.

In their last five league outings, MK Dons have won 2 and lost 3, scoring a total of 3 goals in the process. Leeds however have won 2 and drawn 3 while netting 7 goals.

WHAT:

MK Dons at Leeds United

English Championship

WHERE:

Elland Road, Leeds

WHEN:

Saturday, January 2, 2016

7AM PT / 10AM ET / 3PM PT

WHO:

Leeds United

Silvestri, Wootton, Bamba, Cooper, Taylor, Byram, Cook, Bridcutt, Murphy, Dallas, Doukara

Subs: Peacock-Farrell, Coyle, Bellusci, Phillips, Adeyemi, Erwin, Antenucci

MK Dons

Martin, Spence, McFadzean, Kay, Lewington, Potter, Carruthers, Baker, Hall, Murphy, Maynard

Subs: Cropper, Hodson, Walsh, Reeves, Bowditch, Church, Gallagher

ODDS:

Leeds win: 21/20

Draw: 28/11

MK Dons win: 3/1

Prediction

Leeds United know they need the win to keep playoff dreams alive, and with Leeds finding goals from midfield and defence, and with MK Dons' low goals per game ratio, the Whites have to be favourites to win this encounter.

If Wood cannot make the lineup, who do you think should lead the line for the Whites? Doukara has impressed from the bench and could do a job, while Mirco Antenucci has a better record in front of goal and is the more industrious of the two this season.  Meanwhile, Lee Erwin could also be a candidate.  Vote in our poll, discuss in the comments below, and enjoy the first game of 2016.