Preview: MK Dons vs. Charlton Athletic - prediction, team news, lineups

MK Dons will be hoping to put distance between themselves and the League One relegation zone when they welcome Charlton Athletic to Stadium MK on Tuesday.

The Addicks, meanwhile, will be looking for a positive response after suffering a heavy 6-0 defeat to Ipswich Town on Saturday.

Match preview

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MK Dons are currently unbeaten in seven matches, but they will be frustrated with the fact that their last four games have finished all square.

Mark Jackson's side looked well set to claim all three points in Saturday's home meeting with Cheltenham Town when Mo Eisa's brace gave his side a narrow 2-1 lead after Elliot Bonds had opened the scoring for the Robins.

As it proved, MK Dons were denied all three points by Alfie May, who scored a late equaliser in the seventh minute of stoppage time to ensure that the contest ended in a 2-2 draw.

MK Dons finished the weekend with a three-point gap to the bottom four, but they have played one game more than Cambridge United, who currently occupy 21st place.

After beating Charlton 2-0 in the reverse fixture, Tuesday's hosts have the chance to claim a league double as they look to secure their place in League One for another season.

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Charlton travelled to Portman Road for Saturday's meeting with Ipswich off the back of one defeat in seven matches.

However, the confidence gained from that encouraging run was wiped out by a rampant Ipswich side who racked up six goals without reply.

After suffering a heavy 6-0 defeat, 11th-placed Charlton will have to pick themselves up as they look to maintain their position in the top half of the table.

Although there may not be much to play for in their final four games, Charlton boss Dean Holden will be keen for his side to remain professional as they look to better last season's 13th-placed finish.

The Addicks have won just two of their last seven away games, and they are at risk of losing three consecutive matches on the road.

Team News

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MK Dons are unable to call upon the services of Daniel Harvie for the rest of the season due to an ankle injury.

Jack Tucker came into the side for Saturday's 2-2 draw with Cheltenham, and the defender is expected to retain his place alongside Anthony Stewart and Dean Lewington in a back three.

After dropping down to the bench at the weekend, Jonathan Leko could be recalled to the MK Dons' starting lineup.

As for the visitors, Corey Blackett-Taylor and Chuks Aneke remain sidelined with hamstring injuries, while a knee issue will prevent Lucas Ness from featuring in the matchday squad.

Ryan Inniss is suspended after being sent off late on against Ipswich, but they will welcome Jack Payne back into the squad following a one-match suspension.

Payne may have to settle for a place on the bench, with Holden likely to utilise Albie Morgan, George Dobson and Scott Fraser in a midfield three.

MK Dons possible starting lineup:

Cumming; Stewart, Tucker, Lewington; Watson, Maghoma, McEachran, Jules; Leko, Holland, Eisa

Charlton Athletic possible starting lineup:

Maynard-Brewer; Egbo, Hector, Thomas, Sessegnon; Morgan, Dobson, Fraser; Rak-Sakyi, Campbell, Leaburn

We say: MK Dons 2-1 Charlton Athletic

With their last four matches finishing all square, MK Dons will be hoping to convert draws into victories in their final four games.

As they fight to retain their League One status, we think a highly-motivated MK Dons side will be able to claim a narrow victory over Charlton.

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