Queens Park Rangers will hope to get their quest for promotion back on track when they host Championship new boys MK Dons at Loftus Road on Saturday.
However, the Dons are looking to bounce back from defeat last weekend as they try to boost their survival bid.
Queens Park Rangers
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Hoops boss Chris Ramsey accepted that fans had a right to criticise him and the team after the goalless draw at home to Sheffield Wednesday in midweek.
Ramsey, who has now seen his side win only once in seven, was jeered by supporters after he replaced lone forward Jay Emmanuel-Thomas with midfielder Leroy Fer for the final 20 minutes.
While the absence of the injured Charlie Austin will have hurt the West London outfit, a lack of goals has not been the biggest problem for the team.
Indeed, the main issue is the number of goals conceded, with QPR letting in 22 in 12 games this term, the worst record in the division.
Rangers did keep only their second clean sheet of the campaign against Wednesday, but only four wins from their first dozen matches has left Ramsey's side five points outside the top six.
Recent form: DDLWLD
MK Dons
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After the high of thumping Blackburn Rovers 3-0 at stadium:mk last week, Karl Robinson's side were brought back down to earth with a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Huddersfield Town.
Robinson struggled to hide his dismay at the performance, branding it "sloppy" and "lethargic", but also took some responsibility for the outcome.
Nevertheless, the result leaves his team only a point above the drop zone after what had been an encouraging string of displays, including a battling defeat at the hands of Derby County and a draw against Bristol City.
Milton Keynes's defence has, at least, conceded seven fewer than Rangers in their first 12 matches, keeping three clean sheets in that time.
However, last season's highest scorers in League One have struggled to replicate their form in attack, netting only a dozen goals.
The Dons' position could become more difficult by the start of December, with games against the likes of Hull City, Brighton & Hove Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers to come.
Recent form: LLLDWL
Recent form (all competitions): LLLDWL
Team News
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As mentioned, Austin's continued absence through injury is likely to mean that Emmanuel-Thomas leads the line once more.
Clint Hill, Massimo Luongo and Daniel Toszer were all recalled for the draw against Wednesday and will be in contention to start again at Loftus Road.
Meanwhile, Ben Reeves will hope to regain his place for MK Dons, having scored twice against Blackburn Rovers last weekend.
Samir Carruthers could continue in midfield after returning for the Buckinghamshire outfit in midweek and Simon Church is also in contention for start, with Nicky Maynard possibly making way.
QPR possible starting lineup:
Green; Onuoha, Hall, Hill, Konchesky; Tozser, Sandro, Phillips, Luongo; Chery, Emmanuel-Thomas
MK Dons possible starting lineup:
Martin; Spence, McFadzean, Kay, Lewington; Carruthers, Poyet, Forster-Caskey; Reeves, Murphy; Church
Head To Head
The Dons have only met QPR three times since their controversial move to Milton Keynes, but this encounter will be their first at league level since the days of Wimbledon's Crazy Gang.
All of those fixtures took place in the FA Cup, with the Hoops winning a third-round replay in January 2012, after drawing the initial tie.
The last time the sides met, Milton Keynes ran out 4-2 winners at Loftus Road against the then Premier League outfit in 2013.
QPR did lose the last time they met Wimbledon, having been beaten 5-0 at Selhurst Park back in February 2001.
We say: QPR 2-1 MK Dons
While Rangers have struggled for victories of late, Saturday's game could represent a chance to return to winning ways against an MK Dons team who have found the transition to Championship somewhat difficult.
Chris O'Keefe
