Prediction: MK Dons vs Chelsea

Championship strugglers MK Dons will be looking to pile more misery on Premier League holders Chelsea and attempt to at least earn a lucrative replay when they face their more illustrious opponents. Buoyed by the valuable victory over rivals Arsenal, the Blues will fancy their chances of winning at Stadium mk.

MK Dons

Officially established in 2004, Milton Keynes Dons Football Club have achieved decent success in their first decade, having secured their first ever promotion to the Championship last summer. The club have also become famous for their impressive youth academy, and they will definitely be hoping for more success in the future. The Dons have done fairly well since making it to the second tier as currently sit above the relegation zone, albeit mere two points ahead of their releegation rivals. Decent home performances have certainly helped as the team picked up 19 points from 14 home fixtures, while losing 9 of 14 away matches. The Dons began their FA Cup campaign with a 2-2 draw at Northampton and it was the 3-0 triumph in the replay that saw them set up a clash with Premier League champions Chelsea. The club haven’t enjoyed too much success in the competition in the past, losing three straight home games in the FA Cup ahead of said victory over Northampton, so we doubt they will be able to match the revived Blues on Saturday afternoon.

Team News

MK Dons manager Karl Robinson has recalled midfielder George Baldock from a loan spell at Oxford United, but he is ineligible for this year’s FA Cup.

On the other hand, Scottish defender Kyle John McFadzean is available for selection after serving a one-match suspension for accumulation of yellow cards.

Chelsea

This will definitely go down as one of the most disappointing seasons in recent years for Chelsea, as the Premier League holders currently trail leaders Leicester huge 19 points. The Blues have long ago been ruled out of the title chase, but they did well to keep the slim top 4 hopes alive with a 1-0 triumph over Arsenal at the Emirates. The match would have probably gone in the other direction if Per Mertesacker hadn’t been sent off so early into the game, but Chelsea made the most out of the opportunity that presented itself to record a much needed morale-boosting victory. The Blues are now on an eight-match unbeaten run and will want to record a comprehensive triumph over MK Dons to secure progress to the FA Cup fifth round, with Guus Hiddink almost certain to field a strong side at mk Stadium. Having won last two away fixtures, while keeping clean sheets in last three games on the road, Chelsea have been rightly made favourites to emerge victorious.

Team News

Guus Hiddink has received a major boost as Diego Costa recovered from a knee injury, but it remains to be seen whether the Spaniard will be risked at mk Stadium.

Belgian superstar Eden Hazard should finally get a chance to shine, with Ruben Loftus-Cheek and and Kenedy expected to play a part as well.

Key Factors to Consider

• This will be the first ever meeting between MK Dons and Chelsea
• MK Dons lost three of last four home games in the FA Cup
• Chelsea conceded just one goal in last six away matches
• The Blues are unbeaten in eight games (W4 D4)
• Diego Costa has scored five goals in last five outings

Conclusion

MK Dons have been struggling for form of late and they definitely lack the quality needed to match a side like Chelsea. The Blues are finally showing some improvement and having restored some of the lost confidence by defeating Arsenal on the road, we are backing them to record a comfortable victory in Buckinghamshire.

Verdict: Chelsea/Chelsea

Best Odds: 17/20

Bookmaker: William Hill