Football fans will be looking forward to an exciting League Two battle as Milton Keynes Dons host Grimsby Town at Stadium MK on September 6. Both sides are level on 11 points and sit seventh and eighth in the league table.
The Dons will be aiming to respond after a narrow 1-0 defeat to Walsall, while the Mariners, despite their own 1-0 loss at home to Bristol Rovers, will take confidence from their remarkable League Cup triumph on penalties against a heavily favoured Manchester United.
With both teams starting the season strongly but eager to bounce back from recent setbacks, this clash promises to be a tight encounter.
Read our MK Dons vs Grimsby predictions and preview to find out, but remember to also check our other League Two predictions.
Contents
MK Dons vs Grimsby prediction: Expecting a draw
Key statistics
- Two of their last three encounters have seen a 1-1 draw being played.
- MK Dons' last three home games against Grimsby have ended in a draw.
- Four of their last five meetings have ended in BTTS.
Correct score prediction: MK Dons 1-1 Grimsby
This match between the Dons and the Mariners is expected to be closely fought, with a 1-1 draw as our possible prediction. The Dons will look to get back on their feet, having won one of their last three matches at Stadium MK.
Grimsby, meanwhile, will take confidence from their remarkable penalty shootout victory over Manchester United in the League Cup. With the Dons eager to make their home advantage count and the Mariners brimming with recent success, a tight, evenly balanced contest looks the most likely outcome.
Pre-match odds and win probability: No favourite odds given
- Home: 21/20 (2.05) – 48.78%
- Draw: 5/2 (3.50) – 28.57%
- Away: 12/5 (3.40) – 29.41%
*Odds provided by Ladbrokes. Subject to change.*
MK Dons at 2.05 are seen as narrow favourites with an implied chance of 48.78%, while Grimsby Town at 3.40 (29.41%) and the draw at 3.50 (28.57%) suggest a competitive match where MK Dons have a slight edge, but the other outcomes remain very possible.
Most recent head-to-head: Tight record at MK Dons
The head-to-head record at Stadium MK shows just how competitive matches between Paul Warne’s side and David Artell’s team have been. In their last five home meetings, the Dons have managed one win, three draws and one defeat.
The most recent clash on this ground ended in a goalless draw in April of this year, following a 1-1 draw in November 2023. These results highlight that Grimsby are a tough opponent to overcome when they travel to Stadium MK.
England League 2 26/04/25
Milton Keynes Dons
Grimsby
England League 2 26/10/24
Grimsby
Milton Keynes Dons
England League 2 12/03/24
Grimsby
Milton Keynes Dons
England League 2 28/11/23
Milton Keynes Dons
Grimsby
England League 2 26/01/19
Grimsby
Milton Keynes Dons
After reviewing our key MK Dons vs Grimsby predictions, be sure to visit our website for the remaining football betting tips today.
MK Dons preview: Looking to end a five-game losing streak
Warne’s team will be looking to put their recent league loss behind them. They have been an attacking force this season, with Nathaniel Mendez-Laing and Callum Paterson both proving to be key players going forward.
However, there are several players unavailable due to injuries and fitness concerns. Aaron Collins is currently inactive and not in contention for selection. Sean Hogan is sidelined with an injury, while Graham Jones also remains out as he continues his recovery.
In addition, the squad has been hit with multiple muscle-related issues, as Liam Maguire and Sam Sherring are both ruled out with hamstring injuries. To add to their troubles, Jack Tomlinson is unavailable due to a foot injury, which will keep him out of action until he fully recovers.
Predicted lineup: MacGillivray (GK), Sanders, Ekpiteta, Mellish, Offord, Collar, Kelly, Gilbey, Hepburn-Murphy, Paterson & Nemane
MK Dons' last five matches
- Milton Keynes Dons 0 – 1 Walsall
- Newport County 1 – 2 Milton Keynes Dons
- Crawley Town 1 – 1 Milton Keynes Dons
- Milton Keynes Dons 5 – 0 Cheltenham Town
- Bristol City 2 – 0 Milton Keynes Dons
Grimsby preview: Looking to bounce back
Artell’s side enters this match on a high, having famously defeated Manchester United in the League Cup. This monumental victory will provide a huge morale boost, but the focus will now be on getting a good result in the league.
The team will be without several key players for this match due to injuries and fitness issues. Zach Gilsenan is currently inactive and not available for selection. Stephen Lavelle is sidelined with a calf injury, while Jonas Svanthorsson is out as he recovers from a knee injury. Additionally, Dylan Tharme and James Walker are both unavailable and will not feature in the squad for this fixture.
Predicted lineup: Auton (GK), Graham, McJannett, Staunton, Onoh, McEachran, Brown, Khouri, Soonsup-Bell, Amaluzor & Rose
Grimsby's last five matches
- Grimsby Town 0 – 1 Bristol Rovers
- Grimsby Town 2 – 2 Manchester United
- Accrington Stanley 1 – 1 Grimsby Town
- Walsall 0 – 1 Grimsby Town
- Grimsby Town 2 – 1 Newport County
Player to watch: Callum Paterson
One of the most important players for Warne in this match is their forward, Callum Paterson. He has been playing very well recently, scoring two goals in his last five games and showing that he can both finish chances and set up his teammates.
Paterson’s consistent form makes him a major threat to Grimsby’s defence, and he could play a big role in deciding the outcome of the match if he continues to perform at this level.