MK Dons v Northampton. Match preview

Last updated : 15 August 2008 By Dave Foster
Both sides go into the game on the back of good wins in the Carling Cup in midweek. For MK it's a chance to try and earn their first league points after losing on the opening day at Leicester last week. For Northampton it's a chance for a third win in a week and a hopeful continuation of the 100% start to the season.

MK Dons will be boosted by the return to fitness of Danny Swailes (Achilles) and Kevin Gallen (toe injury) for the visit of near-neighbours Northampton.

Striker Ali Gerba and defender Drissa Diallo remain sidelined but youngster Shaun Cummings returns to the squad.

Northampton midfielder Giles Coke is pushing for a starting place after recovering from an ankle injury.

Burly striker Adebayo Akinfenwa will be monitored closely before kick-off.
Stuart Gray must decide if he unleashes Bayo from the start against MK.

"He's getting better and stronger with every game he plays," said Gray.

"He was a little bit sore yesterday so we just had to shut him down and then have a bit of a look at him in our last session before the game.

"Everything about Bayo is improving. You'll see it when he plays, he looks more free in his movement having had the steel rod taken out of his leg, for example.

"He hasn't been able to have much of a pre-season, but he is better for the 90 minutes on Tuesday night and the 70-odd he played against Cheltenham.

"Every minute he's on the pitch is a bonus. The most important thing is keeping him on the pitch."