Wolverhampton Wanderers play host to MK Dons this weekend looking to record their first win at Molineux since before the October international break.
MK Dons make the trip to the West Midlands having struggled for points on the road, but after showing improvements of late, boss Karl Robinson will be hopeful that his side can gain the result that could see them move out of the drop zone.
Wolverhampton Wanderers
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While Wolves have only won one of their last seven games, head coach Kenny Jackett will not be too downhearted ahead of Saturday's game.
There have been several low points during a spell that has produced just five points, but Jackett would have been impressed with the spirit of his side as they twice came from behind to earn a 2-2 draw away at Ipswich Town last weekend.
Wolves require wins rather than draws if they are to return to the top half of the table, but the result, which followed a goalless draw against in-form Burnley, has at least provided them with a little bit of momentum ahead of a fixture that is regarded as a must-win contest by their supporters.
Another positive from the point at Portman Road was the return to goalscoring form of Benik Afobe, who had not netted in his previous five outings. He has still only scored in one match at Molineux since August 19, however, a strike-rate which he needs to improve sooner rather than later.
Success this weekend would go some way to alleviating the frustration coming from the stands and set the team up well for three more matches in a row where Wolves will start as favourites, but anything other than maximum points will leave the club's immediate focus on stopping themselves being drawn into a relegation battle.
Recent form: LLWLDD
MK Dons
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Last weekend's 1-1 draw with Fulham saw MK Dons drop into the relegation zone in the Championship, but it is far from doom and gloom in Milton Keynes ahead of the final game in November.
After returning from the October international break without scoring a goal in three successive defeats, there were fears that the club were on a downward spiral, but four points from three games has ensured that they remain competitive in a closely-packed group at the bottom of the standings.
There would have been positives as well as negatives taken from the 2-1 loss away at unbeaten Brighton & Hove Albion, but edging past relegation rivals Charlton Athletic and drawing with Fulham in front of their home supporters has given Robinson something to build on ahead of back-to-back fixtures on the road.
It is largely their away form that has resulted in their current league position of 22nd, with just five points coming from eight games. However, Robinson will be encouraged that Wolves possess one of the worst home records in the second tier.
Striker Dean Bowditch has hit a bit of form in recent weeks, scoring twice in three league games, but he needs help from a squad who are averaging less than a goal per game and who have not netted more than once in a match since October 17.
Recent form: LLLWLD
Team News
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Wolves will again be without Emiliano Martinez and Kortney Hause, who are sidelined by injuries relating to their quadriceps and hamstring areas respectively.
Midfielder Jack Price is also doubtful, but Ethan Ebanks-Landell could return to the squad after recovering from a foot problem.
Barring any late injury issues, MK Dons manager Robinson could select the same side that started against Fulham last weekend.
If Robinson does tinker with his team, Carl Baker may return to add some experience in midfield.
Wolverhampton Wanderers possible starting lineup:
Ikeme, Iorfa, Batth, Williamson, Golbourne, McDonald, Price, Henry, Edwards, Graham, Afobe
MK Dons possible starting lineup:
Martin, Spence, McFadzean, Kay, Lewington, Potter, Poyet, Baker, Bowditch, Murphy, Maynard
Head To Head
While Wolves locked horns with Wimbledon on a regular basis before the club folded, they have only faced MK Dons on two previous occasions.
Both matches occurred in League One during the 2013-14 season, the first of which was won by MK Dons, who prevailed 2-0 at Molineux thanks to goals from Patrick Bamford and Ben Reeves.
However, Wolves got their revenge later in the season as a late goal from Liam McAlinden earned the visitors a 1-0 victory, which moved them closer to the league title.
We say: Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-1 MK Dons
With Wolves slipping further behind the top six with each week, the pressure is on Jackett's men to deliver a strong performance, and while this could play into the hands of their opponents, we are backing the home side to nick a late winner to get a much-needed win on the board.
Darren Plant
