Milton Keynes Dons will host Swindon Town in the FA Cup first round at Stadium MK on the weekend of November 7, reviving a local rivalry.

They have won 17 of the previous encounters, compared to Swindon's seven victories, with eight matches ending in a draw. Last season, the teams met three times. Milton Keynes Dons won both League Two fixtures, but Swindon claimed a heavy 4-0 victory in an EFL Trophy group stage match at the County Ground. Their last cup meeting outside of league competition was in the 2009 EFL Cup, where Swindon won 4-1.

Swindon's cup challenges

Swindon Town have struggled to make an impact in the FA Cup in recent years. Their campaign last season ended in the third round with a 2-0 defeat away to Salford City. The club's cup history has also been affected by significant off-field controversies. In 2020, Swindon were expelled from the EFL Trophy for fielding an ineligible player in a first-round victory over Plymouth Argyle.

Manager Ian Holloway referenced his team's ongoing difficulties, making a cryptic remark about the situation at the County Ground. He stated, "I can see Freckletons everywhere," alluding to the challenges facing the club.

Current context for MK Dons

They are 11 points behind the league leaders, Bradford, and have scored 11 goals while conceding 16 this season. However, their recent form has been more encouraging, with three wins, one draw, and one loss in their last five matches across all competitions (WLWWD). This sequence includes a 4-1 win over Crawley Town, a 7-1 victory against Brentford U21, a 1-5 loss to Reading, and a goalless draw with AFC Wimbledon. They head into the fixture on the back of a 2-1 victory over Luton Town on Saturday 17 October, with goals from Alex Gilbey and a late Aaron Collins penalty securing the win. Collins is the club's top scorer from the last two matches, having also netted in the defeat to Reading.

Before the cup tie, the team's immediate focus is a League One fixture away to Blackpool, who are 20th, on Tuesday 20 October.

Interestingly, both clubs occupy 18th place in their respective divisions, with Swindon Town holding that position in League Two. Milton Keynes Dons enjoyed a run to the FA Cup third round last season, defeating Colchester United and Oldham Athletic before being eliminated by Oxford United. The first-round tie at Stadium MK is scheduled for the weekend of November 7.

More detail at Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard