MK Dons vs Leicester City: Warne on Foxes' slow League One start
MK Dons host Leicester City at Stadium MK on Saturday with both sides still searching for a first League One win, as promotion favourites meet in a clash where the dons leicester city fixture could reshape early-season momentum for Paul Warne and returning boss Russell Martin. BBC Sport lists kick-off at 12:30 on 29 August.
Key Takeaways
- MK Dons sit 14th with two points from two draws; Leicester are 18th with one point after a draw and a defeat.
- Leicester defender Caleb Okoli is out, while Bade Aluko faces a late fitness test, Russell Martin confirmed.
- Dons boss Paul Warne says Leicester's patchy start is not a shock given the context of their results.
- BBC Sport published expected line-ups and season comparison stats ahead of kick-off at Stadium MK.
- Russell Martin returns to MK amid fan scrutiny over his 2021 departure for Swansea.
Why does this MK Dons vs Leicester City match matter?
Both clubs were widely tipped to challenge at the top of League One after Leicester's relegation from the Championship. Yet neither has claimed three points after two rounds, making Saturday's meeting a chance for a statement result.
MK Dons drew with Oxford United and Huddersfield Town. Leicester drew at newly promoted Notts County and lost 2-1 at home to Burton Albion after going down to ten men early.
Warne acknowledged both teams are under pressure despite the early stage of the campaign. He told the Milton Keynes Citizen that come the end of the season, he still expects Leicester and MK Dons to be "up there."
What do the League One stats say before kick-off?
According to BBC Sport, MK Dons were 14th in the table with two points from two games, scoring three and conceding three. Leicester City sat 18th with one point, with two goals scored and three conceded.
BBC's pre-match data also noted both sides had dropped two points from winning positions so far this season. For more breaking sports angles, see our Celebrity Breaking News hub.
Warne said his side "should have at least four points" from their opening fixtures and wants to "get our season going" against a Foxes team that he believes will look to keep the ball regardless of recent results.
Who is missing for Leicester City at Stadium MK?
Russell Martin told reporters that Caleb Okoli will miss the trip after sitting out Tuesday's Carabao Cup defeat at Ipswich Town with an injury. The defender had started Leicester's first three matches in all competitions before the setback.
Bade Aluko, who scored his first senior goal in that cup tie before being forced off, faces a late assessment after a knock. Martin said Aluko had been monitored through the week and would be checked again before kick-off.
Conor Chaplin and Jayden Joseph are ready to start after returning midweek, though Martin may manage minutes across a busy schedule. Ilari Kangasniemi's arrival has eased defensive shortages, but options remain restricted with Okoli sidelined.
How are the teams expected to line up?
BBC Sport published predicted teams with MK Dons in a 3-1-4-2 and Leicester in a 4-1-4-1. Warne's side were set to feature Jamie MacGillivray in goal behind a back three of Cameron Goode, Dean Nelson and Mads Ekpiteta, with Ryan Wintle shielding midfield.
Leicester were listed with Jakub Stolarczyk in goal and Luke Thomas at left-back, while Conor Chaplin anchored midfield. Bobby De Cordova-Reid led the line. Referee Thomas Parsons will take charge.
What has Warne said about Martin's return?
Warne played down any extra edge around Russell Martin's return to Stadium MK. The Leicester boss managed MK Dons for around 80 games and also played for the club before his controversial 2021 exit to Swansea.
Warne said he could not tell supporters what to think but insisted his focus is competing with Leicester. He expects a large away following and said his players will be "fuelled" by the atmosphere as both sides chase a first win on the board.