MK Dons will go in search of only their second home win of the season when they take on Blackburn Rovers.

However, Gary Bowyer's men are hoping to pick their third victory in four games as they try to move further away from the Championship relegation battle.

MK Dons

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A few weeks ago, Dons manager Karl Robinson admitted that he was "embarrassed" by the manner of their 6-0 League Cup defeat at the hands of Southampton last month, but it remains to be seen whether it has marked a change in fortunes.

The newly-promoted side followed that up with a battling defeat at the hands of Derby County before fighting back to earn a draw against fellow strugglers Bristol City before the international break.

Nevertheless, Milton Keynes have found the transition to Championship level far harder, having netted only nine times, with only Preston North End scoring fewer. The Dons scored 101 goals in League One last season.

That could be because the Buckinghamshire outfit have registered the fewest shots on target so far this term, but their defence has at least conceded fewer than many of their rivals in the relegation battle, letting in 14 to Bristol City's 20.

However, MK remain a side out of form and the draw against the Robins stopped a run of six consecutive defeats in all competitions.

Robinson will hope that the presence of Brighton & Hove Albion loanee Jake Forster-Caskey, who has started the club's last two league fixtures, can help propel his team up the table after a difficult start.

Recent form: LLLLLD
Recent form (all competitions): LLLLLD

Blackburn Rovers

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While the Dons have lost six of their last seven, Rovers boss Gary Bowyer is still refusing to take Saturday's opposition lightly.

However, Bowyer does arguably boast the in-form striker in England's second tier - Scotland international Jordan Rhodes.

The former Huddersfield Town frontman was named Championship Player of the Month for September, netting five times in four games.

While Rhodes is joint top scorer in the division, however, Rovers have become increasingly reliant on his goals, which have accounted for seven of Blackburn's last nine in the league.

Rovers have at least specialised in finding the back of the net from set pieces recently, with only five of their 12 goals coming from open play.

However, Bowyer will also hope that his team can end their eight-match winless run on the road, albeit that Rovers have only lost two in that time.

Recent form: DLDWDW

Team News

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MK Dons will still be without ex-Liverpool midfielder Darren Potter and former Arsenal man Mark Randall in the centre of the pitch, while keeper Cody Cropper also remains sidelined.

However, the Championship new boys will have Samir Carruthers available for selection after he completed a three-match ban following his sending-off against Leeds United.

Meanwhile, Jason Lowe (foot), Fode Koita (hamstring), Chris Brown (knee) and Danny Guthrie (thigh) will all miss out for Rovers.

Blackburn should at least have Rhodes available for the trip to stadium:mk after suffering a medial ligament injury while on international duty with Scotland, with Lee Williamson also expected to shake off a knock picked up after playing for Jamaica last weekend.

MK Dons possible starting lineup:
Martin; Spence, McFadzean, Kay, Lewington; Carruthers, Forster-Caskey; Baker, Reeves, Murphy; Church

Blackburn Rovers possible starting lineup:
Steele; Henley, Duffy, Hanley, Olsson; Marshall, Evans, Akpan, Conway; Lawrence, Rhodes

Head To Head

This game will be the first time that MK Dons and Blackburn have met in a league fixture.

However, they played once in a League Cup clash in August 2012, with a Luke Chadwick brace helping the Dons to a 2-1 win.

We say: MK Dons 0-1 Blackburn

The Dons' struggles in front of goal is an issue that Robinson's side will hope to address in their forthcoming games, but will they be able to stop Rhodes and keep out Rovers at the set-piece? Recent form would appear to suggest not.

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