MK Dons v Colchester preview

Team news for Wednesday's League One clash between MK Dons and Colchester at Stadium:mk.

Stephen Gleeson is likely to go straight back into the MK Dons starting line-up against Colchester. Gleeson served a one-match suspension as the Dons were beaten 3-1 by in-form Brentford on Sunday. Manager Karl Robinson admitted his side had missed Gleeson at Griffin Park and he is expected to resume his central midfield partnership alongside fellow Irishman Darren Potter, which would see Alan Smith drop out of the team. Dele Alli made his return from a month-long injury absence as a second-half substitute against the Bees and the teenage winger may be pushing for a starting role on New Year's Day. Robinson also has the likes of Tom Flanagan, George Baldock, Brendon Galloway, Jason Banton and Antony Kay to call on should he wish to make any more changes to his team. Boss Joe Dunne must decide whether to change his starting XI for the first time in four games as Colchester make the trip to MK Dons on New Year's Day. Dunne kept faith with the same team which had seen off Oldham and Stevenage when struggling Crewe visited the Weston Homes Community Stadium on Sunday, only to fall to a frustrating 2-1 defeat. The likes of Sanchez Watt, Clinton Morrison and Alex Gilbey are among those pushing for recalls as the U's play their fourth game in 12 days. Fit-again striker Freddie Sears will again look to make the bench as he strives to get minutes under his belt but Gavin Massey (hamstring) and Drey Wright (knee) are not yet ready while defender Josh Thompson (ankle) also remains sidelined.