EYE ON THE OPPOSITION | MK Dons (H)

After a midweek with no fixture for the first time since early February, Vale return to action on Saturday as we face Milton Keynes Dons at Vale Park.

The Dons currently sit in the relegation zone on 30 points after a run of five matches without a win.

The latest of those matches brought in a valuable point for the Buckinghamshire side, as Paris Maghoma scored a late equaliser to secure a 1-1 draw away at Lincoln City.

However, the Valiants come into this match off the back of a 2-1 defeat away at Bolton Wanderers, despite putting on a strong display.

Vale now sit 16th in League One and will be looking to add another three points to our points tally with a win at the weekend.

It’s sure to be an exciting clash on Saturday afternoon, and before we get to matchday, here is what you need to know about MK Dons.

ONE TO WATCH: Daniel Harvie

The Dons star man hails from Scotland and has lit up the wings for the Buckinghamshire side since his arrival in 2020.

Harvie, a wingback, signed for MK Dons in July 2020 and has played over 115 appearances for the club, scoring six goals and providing nine assists in the process.

Three of his goal involvements for the Dons have come his season, with the Scotsman netting two goals for his side, and assisting once.

Before his time in the south of England, Harvie enjoyed four years in his homeland, spending time at Aberdeen, Dumbarton, and Ayr United during that time.

After returning from injury to face Lincoln City midweek, the 24-year-old will be looking to build on his performance when he faces the Valiants on Saturday.

THE MAN AT THE HELM:  Mark Jackson

In the away dugout on Saturday will be Mark Jackson who is now into his fourth month at the Dons helm.

Jackson was appointed as MK Dons Head Coach in December of last year and has steadied the ship in Buckinghamshire as they look to jump out of the relegation zone.

The 45-year-old's appointment was his first managerial role in the senior game after previously spending two years at Leeds United with experience as a first-team coach and under-23s Head Coach.

Before Jackson turned to coaching, he enjoyed a 20-year playing career as a defender, playing for the likes of Leeds, Huddersfield Town, Barnsley, and Scunthorpe United during that time.

After a run of five games without a win, Jackson and his side will be looking to grab three points on Saturday, but the Valiants will hoping for a win of their own.

HEAD-TO-HEAD LAST FIVE:

Vale wins: 1

Draws: 2

MK Dons wins: 2

MK Dons have had the better of recent occasions between the two sides, with the Valiants winning one of our last five fixtures against the Dons.

Our last win against the Buckinghamshire side was back in 2019, a 1-0 victory in the first round of the FA Cup at Stadium MK.