Salford City will attempt to claim their first win of the season when they welcome MK Dons to the Peninsula Stadium for Monday's League Two contest. Meanwhile, the visitors will be looking to record a second straight victory after sweeping past Carlisle United last weekend.
Salford have endured a disappointing start to the 2024-25 season, having drawn two and lost five of their competitive matches. The Ammies began the campaign with consecutive home defeats to Port Vale and Doncaster Rovers in the league and EFL Cup respectively, before they picked up their first point of the season with a goalless draw in their away meeting with Bradford City. After losing to Port Vale in the EFL Trophy, Salford made it back-to-back league draws in last Saturday's away meeting with newly-promoted Chesterfield. The Ammies looked set to fall to a narrow defeat until Kelly N'Mai netted an 86th-minute equaliser to ensure his side left Derbyshire with a point to show for their efforts.
Salford will now return to the Peninsula Stadium where they suffered three consecutive 2-0 defeats this season, and the hosts will be determined to end that losing run by claiming their first-ever victory over MK Dons.
Like their hosts, MK Dons experienced an underwhelming start to the campaign, losing each of their first three matches across all competitions. They suffered league defeats to Bradford City and Colchester United on either side of a heavy 5-0 loss to Championship side Watford in the first round of the EFL Cup. After getting off to a poor start, MK Dons finally got their campaign up and running with a commanding 3-0 home win over Carlisle thanks to goals from Callum Hendry, Alex Gilbey and Ellis Harrison.
The result also ended MK Dons' seven-game run without a clean sheet, and they will look to produce another strong defensive display in Monday's clash against their former manager Karl Robinson. The visitors will draw inspiration from the fact they boast a 100% record against Salford, having won both of their two competitive meetings, including a 4-2 victory in last season's away encounter.
Salford City Team News
Salford defender Curtis Tilt is set to serve a one-match suspension after being sent off for two bookable offences at the weekend. Matthew Lund and Ryan Watson are expected to be available after recovering from illness and injury respectively, but Liam Shephard and Kevin Berkoe are unlikely to feature. Hakeem Adelakun, Frankie Okoronkwo, Haji Mnoga and Kylian Kouassi all arrived on the deadline, and the latter was signed in time to play some role in Monday's contest.
MK Dons Team News
As for the visitors, they are unable to call upon the service of Matt Dennis and Jonathan Leko, while Luke Offord is a doubt after being forced off against Carlisle. Liam Kelly is set to return to the fold after missing the last three matches, and the midfielder could be given the chance to start against Salford. Joe White, Kane Thompson-Sommers and Sonny Finch all joined the club on deadline day, but it remains to be seen who was signed in time to feature in Monday's matchday squad.
Salford City Possible Starting Lineup
Jones; Edwards, Chester, Negru, Garbutt; Austerfield, Fornah; Luamba, Woodburn, Taylor; Stockton
MK Dons Possible Starting Lineup
McGill; Sherring, Tucker, Maguire; Nemane, Lemonheigh-Evans, Carroll, Tomlinson; Wearne, Gilbey, Hendry
Salford City vs MK Dons Prediction
Salford vs MK Dons Betting Tips
It's slim pickings for punters today as we head into the international break but there's one fixture in League Two to sink our teeth into. Salford City host Milton Keynes Dons and it's a big game for both teams as they bid to get rolling after poor starts to the campaign. These clubs have ambitions to play at a higher level than the EFL's bottom tier but their results so far don't hint at a promotion push. Salford City have collected just two points from their three games so far while MK Dons are only one point better off, so they will both be desperate for a victory tonight.
A lack of firepower has been Salford's biggest problem so far, with Karl Robinson's men netting just once in five league and cup outings. The Dons have also drawn a couple of blanks, but they found their shooting boots last time out to batter Carlisle 3-0. I still think under 2.5 goals offers a bit of value at 11/10 with Betfred though, given that bet has landed in all five of Salford's matches this term.
Salford City are at home and need to go for a win so I also like the evens on offer at Betfred for them to win over 4.5 corners.
Joshua Austerfield could start in midfield for Salford after coming on for the crocked Ossama Ashley in their last match. If he starts, Austerfield could be worth a punt for a shot on target at 11/4 with Bet365.
Where to Watch Salford City vs MK Dons
The match will be played at the Peninsula Stadium on Monday, with kick-off at 3 pm ET for fans in the US. In the US, the match between Salford and MK Dons is available to stream online live through Paramount+.
Salford defender Curtis Tilt will miss the next match due to a one-game suspension following his red card last weekend. Matthew Lund and Ryan Watson are expected to be back in action after overcoming illness and injury, but Liam Shephard and Kevin Berkoe are likely to remain sidelined.
Salford Predicted XI
Jones; Edwards, Chester, Negru, Garbutt; Austerfield, Fornah; Luamba, Woodburn, Taylor; Stockton
For the visitors, Matt Dennis and Jonathan Leko are unavailable, while Luke Offord is questionable after being forced off in the last outing. Liam Kelly, having missed the last three games, is set to return to the matchday squad.
MK Dons Predicted XI
McGill; Sherring, Tucker, Maguire; Nemane, Lemonheigh-Evans, Carroll, Tomlinson; Wearne, Gilbey, Hendry.
