Walsall vs MK Dons Prediction: Visitors to extend gap on promotion rivals

Two promotion-chasing clubs face off in League 2 on Monday (20:00 GMT, Sky Sports Football), as Walsall (ninth) host MK Dons (fifth) at Bescot Stadium. The Saddlers are eight points behind the Dons, but have a game in hand.

Below are my Walsall vs MK Dons predictions, supported by all the latest team news and match odds.

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Team News

Walsall goalkeeper Myles Roberts is suspended after being sent off just before half-time of his side's 2-2 draw at Grimsby last Wednesday, while Harry Williams (Achilles) remains sidelined due to injury.

Football Odds

Kane Wilson (knee) misses out for MK Dons.

Walsall vs MK Dons Odds

Walsall, winless in their last six games (D4, L2), are 21/10 underdogs on Monday, implying a 32.3% probability of success, with MK Dons, who have won five of their last seven matches in League 2, 13/10 favourites (43.5%), while the draw is offered at 21/10.

Both Teams to Score, 10+ Corners & Both Teams 2+ Cards has been boosted from 6/1 to 7/1.

Match Result - MK Dons @ 13/10

These two sides are in contrasting form heading into Monday's meeting.

Walsall haven't tasted success since beating Tranmere 3-1 on January 17, while their last home victory was on Boxing Day when they edged Crewe out 1-0.

The Saddlers have failed to score in two of their last three on home soil, too, drawing 0-0 with both Accrington and Crawley before losing 3-1 to Barnet last time out at Bescot Stadium.

Today's Football Fixtures

MK Dons, meanwhile, are unbeaten in regulation time across their last nine games, even holding EFL Championship club Oxford United to a 1-1 draw in the FA Cup third round before losing on penalties.

Paul Warne's side have won five of their last seven in League 2, including two of their last three away from home, and their momentum should serve them well on Monday against Mat Sadler's men.

First Team To Score - MK Dons @ 5/6

Excluding goalless draws, MK Dons have struck first in their last eight games across all competitions.

Walsall, meanwhile, have conceded the first goal in three of their last four matches, including last time out at home.

Given the lack of confidence in the home ranks at the moment, in contrast to the visitors, I'll back MK Dons to pop up first on the scoresheet.