Disappointing losers to FA Cup giant-killers Cambridge United in midweek, the defeat stemmed a run of four matches across all competitions for Portsmouth, who were just beginning to find their stride.
Previous to the Cambridge defeat, Portsmouth had lost only one of their last nine matches, with such form seeing them claw back into the playoff picture.
Having endured an early-season winless streak stretching across eight games, Danny Cowley’s side seem to have turned a corner in League One, with promotion to the Championship still a possibility.
Should they wish to return to the second tier for the first time since 2011-12, it will almost certainly be via the playoffs.
A whopping 13 points off second-placed Sunderland, albeit with three games in hand, it is unlikely that Portsmouth will be able to accumulate enough points to drag themselves back into automatic contention.
In need of points, Portsmouth will be keen to start with a statement victory over MK Dons, who currently occupy one of the four playoff positions.
One defeat in their last seven league fixtures has left MK Dons in a strong position, and they will be confident of stretching that run out given their superior head-to-head record over Portsmouth.
One of three sides sitting on 43 points, MK Dons are a good bet to secure a playoff berth as they target a return to the second tier for the first time since 2015-16.
Video Links Stream 1 Stream 2 HD Stream 3 HDStream 4 HD Alternative Stream available on (justgoal.co)
Relegated immediately in their only Championship campaign to date, MK Dons have since dropped down to League Two, before returning to League One.
On the whole, Liam Manning’s side have performed consistently this season, and are yet to lose back-to-back games so far.
Winners in the previous two clashes between the pair, MK Dons have been a thorn in Portsmouth’s side of late, with Manning’s men victors 1-0 victors during their meeting with Portsmouth earlier in the campaign
