MK Dons will look to recover from a string of disappointing results when they host Leeds United in the Championship on Saturday afternoon.
The two teams are separated by just one point in the Championship table, and the pressure is on to bounce back from their respective disappointing results in midweek.
MK Dons
© Getty Images
When MK Dons secured promotion from League One last season, there was certainly a level of optimism which suggested that the club could surprise teams in the second tier of English football with their impressive brand of football.
It was the perfect start to the campaign for the newly-promoted side as Karl Robinson watched his team cruise to a 4-1 triumph over Rotherham United on the opening day, but that performance and result feels like a long time ago after they were quickly brought down to earth.
Since that display, Robinson's side have won just once and their form has taken a turn for the worse after losing three successive games against sides currently sitting in the top seven.
A third loss in a row arrived in midweek when Burnley claimed a 2-1 win at Turf Moor, and the need for an improved display is clear for the players and fans to see as they bid to avoid a quick descent down the table.
After earning a spot in the Championship, staying in the league is surely the only priority for Robinson, but he will know that momentum can be key even at this stage of the campaign.
Southampton will visit in midweek for a League Cup third-round clash, and a morale-boosting result at the weekend could be the key as they look to cause a shock in that competition.
Recent form: LWDLLL
Recent form (all competitions): WDWLLL
Leeds United
© Getty Images
It has been a familiar story for Leeds fans in the early stages of the season. The club's supporters have witnessed promising spells in matches, but the moments of brilliance have been all too rare and consistency will be an issue for Uwe Rosler in his first campaign with the club.
In truth, it is difficult to be too critical of a team that was unbeaten until a 1-0 loss to Ipswich Town in midweek, but five draws from their opening seven games have halted their progress under their latest head coach.
During the five draws, Leeds have had chances to kill off opponents and the blame has often been placed at the feet of the attack, who appear to lack a clinical edge when it really matters in an unforgiving league.
Despite their failure to turn decent performances into victories, the fans are likely to be pleased with the form of attacking duo Chris Wood and Mirco Antenucci, who have added six goals in seven matches.
Matches against Middlesbrough, Birmingham City and Brighton & Hove Albion follow Saturday's test for Rosler's side, and with those three sides currently impressing in the top half of the table, the pressure is on Leeds to prove that they can contend for playoff spot this season.
Recent form: DDDWDL
Team News
© Getty Images
Alex Mowatt was forced to settle for a spot on the bench against Ipswich after picking up a knock last weekend, but the midfielder should be handed a recall by Rosler.
Sam Byram is also pushing to return to the starting lineup, while Wood and Antenucci look set to continue their partnership in attack.
MK Dons boss Robinson is unlikely to be thinking about major changes after losing to promotion chasers Burnley, but Josh Murphy could be handed a start as the hosts look for more creativity from the wings.
MK Dons possible starting lineup:
Martin; Spence, McFadzean, Kay, Lewington; Poyet, Carruthers; Murphy, Bowditch, Baker; Church
Leeds possible starting lineup:
Silvestri; Byram, Cooper, Bamba, Taylor; Murphy, Mowatt, Adeyemi, Dallas; Wood, Antenucci
Head To Head
These two sides have not met since April 2010, when Luciano Becchio and Max Gradel scored before Jermaine Beckford netted a brace to guide Leeds to a 4-1 triumph in League One.
Leeds have won three of the four competitive meetings between the two sides since Wimbledon became MK Dons, whose last victory came in December 2008.
Video Preview
Hit play below to see what the Sports Mole Sofa had to say about this encounter:
We say: Mk Dons 0-2 Leeds United
Leeds need a win ahead of a tricky run of fixtures and a vulnerable MK Dons defence should offer the likes of Antenucci and Wood chances to rediscover their goalscoring touch. Rosler will be fully aware of the need for victory and his side could condemn the hosts to another disappointing result.
No Data Analysis info
