Salop welcome Paul Warne’s MK Dons side to the Croud Meadow this afternoon. 

Michael Appleton’s team look to secure a first home win of the season against an out-of-form MK side.

Here’s everything you need to know about the visitors ahead of the game.  

Key Players 

MK splashed the cash in the summer, building a side that many fancied to dominate the league. Unfortunately, marquee signing Aaron Collins has suffered a torrid start to his time in Milton Keynes. The former Bolton man returned from a broken elbow in the EFL Trophy two weeks ago, but was dealt another blow when he tore his hamstring in training, putting him on the shelf for the next two months.  

MK still have plenty of quality in their squad, though. Callum Paterson, signed from Sheffield Wednesday in the summer, has bagged three goals in his first nine games for the club. He will lead the line this afternoon.

Alex Gilbey, now three years into his second spell at the club, remains a key attacking presence, having also grabbed three goals.  

Other key forward outlets for the team include former Salop winger Nathaniel Mendez-Laing and experienced wide-man Rushian Hepburn-Murphy. Former Town shot-stopper Craig MacGillivray will start in goal for MK.  

The Manager 

Paul Warne is a man who will need little introduction to Salop fans. The 52-year-old oversaw Rotherham’s 2-1 Wembley victory over us in 2018 in what was one of three promotions he achieved with the Millers during his six-year spell at the club.  

Warne eventually left Rotherham for Derby, helping the Rams secure promotion from League One during his first full season for the club. After being dismissed midway through last season, he joined for MK Dons during the summer.  

Form  

MK’s big spending has not yet translated to results on the pitch. The team arrives in Shropshire winless in their last four games, having lost three of those. Their last outing was a surprise 2-1 defeat to Accrington Stanley, with former Salop striker Charlie Caton bagging a late winner. Paul Warne’s men sit 14th in the table on 12 points.

Head-to-Head Record  

Saturday will be our 23rd encounter with MK Dons since we first met in 2006. MK have won eight of those games, with us winning seven, and seven ending in a draw. We have had several memorable encounters with the club over the last 19 years, including a memorable 2-1 away win in the play-offs, a dramatic 3-3 fightback in 2008, and a last-minute 1-0 win at Stadium MK in 2023.