Bolton v MK Dons: Massive game at the bottom

MK Dons are in a massive rut having dispensed with Paul Tisdale and appointed Russel Martin. Will it prove to be the turning point as they take on Bolton? Have a read of our preview here:

The big gamble

Last season Paul Tisdale did a fantastic job in getting MK Dons promoted into League One but a summer of underwhelming recruitment came back to bite the former Exeter boss whose tenure in Buckinghamshire was blighted by injuries to key players.

Following a run of nine games without a win, Peter Winkleman decided to cut his losses and dismissed the popular Tisdale. This move was at least understandable given the form but his decision to appoint Russ Martin, a player until a week or so ago, as a replacement appears to lack clear thinking.

Martin may well be an able coach but with MK Dons in such a bad run the opportunity to bring in someone with more experience should have been grasped with both hands especially when sacking a manager of Paul Tisdale’s standing.

To highlight the issue, Milton Keynes have not won in the last nine games, losing eight and scoring just two goals in that run. They also lost to League Two Port Vale in Martin’s first game in charge last weekend which only cranks up the pressure on the new boss.

His first league game couldn’t be harder. He travels to a Bolton side with absolutely nothing to lose and faces one of the most experienced managers in League One in Keith Hill. This one has the potential to compound MK’s problems while giving the Trotters another boost as they aim to reach a positive points total for the first time this season.

They are getting better

The fact that Bolton are still being considered saveable by some fans is a huge credit to the work Keith Hill and David Flitcroft have done at the club in such a short space of time.

The last recruitment drive brought in some technically gifted players who should not be underestimated despite the Trotter’s poor league position.

Thibaud Verlinden, on loan from Stoke, looks a real talent and if he can return from injury problems and link up with the experience Daryl Murphy, then Bolton can cause teams a lot of problems.

The Trotters have the chance to make it three wins on the bounce in the league when MK Dons visit on Saturday and the way things are going for both clubs, I wouldn’t put it past them.

Bolton vs MK Dons betting tip

With MK Dons in such a dreadful run of form, it is hard to see where their next win is coming from. Russ Martin will be up against one of the most experienced managers in the EFL in Keith Hill so backing Bolton to win at odds of 9/5 is excellent value here.

Bet Bolton to win on