Sunderland’s promotion challenge will continue on Saturday when they face top two rivals Milton Keynes Dons, who will travel to the Stadium of Light for the match with kickoff at 6:15 pm.
On Saturday, the two teams will play one of the biggest games of the campaign. They know that only 3 points will keep them in touch with the top two.
Sunderland manager Alex Neil faces a tough task to get the club back on track after a 1-1 draw away to AFC Wimbledon in midweek.
Having been forced to watch his side struggle, the former Preston North End boss now has an uphill battle if he wishes to see his side challenge for the automatic promotion positions. Sunderland’s winless streak currently sits at an alarming four games, and their last league victory came almost one month ago.
Neil appreciates the pressures of Newcastle United’s job, and with that in mind, he will attempt to hit the ground running as Sunderland manager.
Ranked third in League One on Saturday, the MK Dons are best placed among the challengers to bridge the gap to Rotherham United and Wigan Athletic. Contrasting Sunderland’s stumbling form, they have enjoyed a stellar run of results in recent months, winning 10 out of 11 League One matches. Liam Manning’s team has suffered only one defeat this season, a surprise loss to Doncaster Rovers, fighting relegation.
Sunderland vs MK Dons Head to Head
Both sides have eight games against each other, with hosts taking six wins and visitors winning one. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- AFC Wimbledon 1-1 Sunderland
- Cheltenham 2-1 Sunderland
- Sunderland 1-2 Doncaster
- Bolton 6-0 Sunderland
- Sunderland 1-0 Portsmouth
Away
- MK Dons 0-0 Ipswich Town
- Fleetwood 1-1 MK Dons
- MK Dons 2-1 Lincoln City
- Wycombe 0-1 MK Dons
- Burton 0-1 MK Dons
Sunderland Team News
Sunderland needs Ross Stewart to keep scoring if they want to stay in the Championship next season. The striker has netted 18 times so far this season. He will start up front, with Alex Pritchard and Jack Clarke offering width on the wings.
MK Dons Team News
Scott Twine, who has contributed to 16 goals this season, is expected to start for MK Dons on the right-hand side of the attack. Twine will offer service for Tottenham Hotspur loanee Troy Parrott.
Prediction and Odds
If Sunderland loses against MK Dons at home on Saturday, they will be in a bad position to earn promotion.
- Draw
- Double Chance
- Goals Under 3.5
