MK Dons v Gillingham preview

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Samir Carruthers is a doubt for MK Dons’ opening game of the season against Gillingham.

Carruthers, who had a loan spell in Milton Keynes last season, has rejoined Karl Robinson’s side on a permanent deal from Aston Villa but the midfielder is nursing a thigh strain.

However, fellow summer recruits Danny Green, Kyle McFadzean, Tom Hitchcock, Will Grigg and Benik Afobe are all expected to be pushing for places in the starting line-up.

Last season saw the Dons fail to mount a serious promotion challenge for the first time in four years and Robinson has said he wants his side to be League One’s ‘entertainers’ this time around.

Peter Taylor will be looking to leading marksman Cody McDonald to lead the way up front again this term for Gillingham.

The 28-year-old netted 17 times last season to keep the Gills clear of relegation trouble in 17th place, six points above the drop zone, and Taylor goes into the new campaign with no serious injury problems.

Among the summer recruits at Priestfield Stadium are Luke Norris from Brentford, Port Vale’s Doug Loft, Brighton’s Ben Dickenson and young defender John Egan from Sunderland.

Jermaine McGlashan, Glenn Morris, Aaron Morris, Kortney Hause and former Manchester United and Fulham prospect Josh Pritchard are other new arrivals, but former captain Adam Barrett has been allowed to join Wimbledon on loan.

MK Dons v Gillingham preview

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MK Dons will have an unchanged squad against Gillingham.

However, manager Karl Robinson may opt to tweak his starting line-up with James Loveridge set for his full debut and Dean Bowditch pushing for a recall to the team.

Loveridge, on loan from Swansea, and Bowditch came on at half-time at Stevenage on Saturday with the Dons 2-0. Their introduction coincided with an upturn in fortunes for Robinson’s men, who went on to win the game 3-2.

Georgio Rasulo, Robinson’s third substitute against Boro, recent signing Mark Randall and Ryan Hall are also options for the Dons boss.

Gillingham will be without loanee Joe Pigott when they look to return to winning ways at MK Dons.

The 20-year-old striker was recalled by parent club Charlton on Monday after making four starts for the Gills, scoring one goal.

Boss Peter Taylor could call upon Adam Birchall as his replacement after the veteran impressed in training but Antonio German is also available having returned from a loan spell at Northampton earlier in the month.

Chris Whelpdale (ankle) and Danny Kedwell (knee) are both definitely out but defender Ryan Inniss could return from a hamstring injury.