MK Dons head into their EFL Cup first round tie with Sutton United looking to end their losing start to the new campaign.
The visitors are also winless in League Two, and both teams will be eager to change their fortunes ahead of the remainder of the month.
Match preview
There was a time during the summer when Liam Manning appeared likely to leave MK Dons with Queens Park Rangers being heavily linked with the head coach of the League One side.
However, while they were successful in retaining the services of one of the EFL's most highly-rated managers, MK Dons are yet to come close to finding the same kind of form which took them close to promotion in 2021-22.
Back-to-back 1-0 defeats to Cambridge United and Sheffield Wednesday have already left the club playing catch-up in the race to earn a spot in next season's Championship.
With Ipswich Town to come next weekend, things get no easier for Manning and his squad, and there is a certain level of pressure to get things back on track on Tuesday night.
The same can be said for Sutton United, although they could have been heading into this contest in high spirits rather than feeling deflated.
The Yellows were leading away at Doncaster Rovers head into added-on time, Matt Gray's side being on the brink of remaining locating in the upper echelons of the table.
However, their hosts dramatically netted in the 91st and 93rd minutes respectively to stage a remarkable turnaround to condemn Sutton to defeat.
Gray will be pleased to have the opportunity to get back out onto the pitch as soon as possible, but another defeat would be far from ideal ahead of the long trip to in-form Barrow at the weekend.
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Team News
MK Dons are expected to be without Will Grigg after he was withdrawn during the first half against Sheffield Wednesday.
Further changes are also expected with Matthew Dennis, Daniel Kemp, Darragh Burns and Conor Grant all pushing for opportunities.
Second-choice goalkeeper Franco Ravizzoli should also be provided with a chance between the sticks.
Given the manner of the defeat at Doncaster, Gray may see the benefit of his players getting it out of their system in this contest.
Nevertheless, there should still be alterations with Harry Beautyman and Kwame Thomas options in midfield and attack respectively.
MK Dons possible starting lineup:
Ravizzoli; Oyegoke, Jules, Tucker, Lewington; Grant, Robson; Burns, Smith, Kemp; Dennis
Sutton United possible starting lineup:
Rose; Kizzi, Rowe, John, Milsom; Boldewijn, Smith, Beautyman, Neufville; Bugiel, Thomas
We say: MK Dons 1-0 Sutton United
Given their respective form, this has the makings of being a closely-fought contest. However, while Sutton will relish the chance to compete against a higher-profile club, we expect the home side to edge this game by a narrow margin.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
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