12.12.22 Match Preview - Rovers v MK Dons

Rovers are back at The Mem for the second time in three days tomorrow evening as we prepare to face fellow League One side MK Dons in the Papa John's Trophy Round of 16!

Rovers left it late in our previous Papa John's Trophy outing. Harvey Saunders' last-minute goal against Colchester United sent the Gas into this round of the competition - a stage which Rovers last got to in the 2020/21 season, before a slender loss against AFC Wimbledon at The Mem. 

Last Time Out

Opposition View

MK Dons' Head Coach Liam Manning was relieved of his duties on Sunday afternoon. Club captain Dean Lewington will take interim care of the first-team and will prepare MK Dons for tomorrow’s Papa John’s Trophy tie with the Gas.

Dons Chairman Pete Winkelman said to mkdons.com:

“It is with real sadness that we have to make this decision. Liam and his team accomplished so much for us last season, providing some fantastic memories in a campaign we will never forget – for that we are all so grateful.”

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Form Guide

MK Dons have endured a really tough first-half of the season in League One. The Dons currently sit in 23rd place, level on points with bottom-of-the-table Morecambe. In the Papa John's Trophy, MK Dons progressed to this round of the competition, after beating League Two outfit Newport County 3-1 at Stadium MK. 

Their last outing, a 2-1 defeat at home against Fleetwood Town, was the end of the road for Head Coach Liam Manning after a run of poor results. 

MK Dons' top goalscorer this season is Will Grigg. The Northern Irish striker has found the back of the net on five occasions this season and scored in the Dons' victory over Newport in the last round of the Papa John's Trophy.

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Previous Encounter

How to Watch

Tomorrow's fixture is available to watch LIVE on iFollow! 

To find out more about iFollow, please click HERE.

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Ref Watch

Declan Bourne is the referee for Tuesday evening's clash at The Mem. The last time Bourne took charge of a fixture involving Rovers was in our 2-2 draw with Exeter City at St. James Park. In that clash, Bourne produced two yellow cards apiece and also awarded Exeter a penalty kick. 

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