Burnley could move into the automatic promotion places with a win over newly-promoted MK Dons at Turf Moor.

However, Karl Robinson's side will hope to edge away from the Championship relegation fight with only their second away victory of the season against the Clarets.

Burnley

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The Lancashire club's bid for promotion back to the Premier League got off to a slow start, with only two points from their first three games and an early League Cup exit.

However, a run of three straight victories has put Burnley firmly into the playoff picture as Sean Dyche's side try to regain their top-flight status at the first time of asking.

The Clarets' first win of the season came in a hard-fought win at home to Plymouth with Michael Keane getting the winner, and he was on hand again as Burnley beat League One champions Bristol City at Ashton Gate.

David Jones, Matty Taylor and Andre Gray all got on the scoresheet last weekend as the 2013-14 runners-up made it nine points from nine with a comfortable victory against Sheffield Wednesday.

Gray, signed from Luton Town over the summer, has been tipped for big things by Dyche, but the club decided to cancel the contract of fellow forward Marvin Sordell, who mustered only one goal in 21 appearances at Turf Moor.

While Jelle Vossen also made a quick exit from the club in the summer, Dyche may face a difficult task in keeping hold of Keane, who is rumoured to be attracting interest from Premier League clubs.

Recent form: DDLWWW
Recent form (all competitions): LDLWWW

MK Dons

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MK Dons achieved promotion from League One in dramatic style after overhauling nearest rivals Preston North End to finish second on the final day of last season.

However, after a solid start, the Buckinghamshire club are looking to avoid picking up a third consecutive defeat.

Robinson's men started their first Championship campaign with a thumping win over Rotherham United, but quickly fell back down to earth with a home loss against Preston North End.

The Dons then beat Bolton Wanderers and followed that up with a credible draw at Reading.

However, after another victory, this time in the Capital One Cup against Cardiff City, the club have embarked on a run of two straight defeats at the hands of Birmingham City and Middlesbrough.

Injuries have played a part in the team's form of late, but Robinson has looked to address that somewhat by offering a deal to free agent Nicky Maynard, who has been training with Blackburn Rovers recently.

Recent form: WLWDLL
Recent form (all competitions): LWDWLL

Team News

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Burnley are expected to name an unchanged side after winning three games in a row, although Taylor could come into contention to replace Michael Kightly.

Summer signing Matt Lowton has recovered from a shin problem, but may still be waiting to make his first start for the Clarets.

Another new recruit, Joey Barton, is unlikely to feature until his fitness levels improve.

Meanwhile, Robinson is expected to be without Ben Reeves, Joe Walsh, Mark Randall, Dale Jennings, Darren Potter and Cody Cropper for the trip to the North-West.

Burnley possible starting lineup:
Heaton; Darikwa, Duff, Keane, Mee; Boyd, Jones, Arfield, Kightly, Vokes, Gray

MK Dons possible starting lineup:
Martin; Spence, McFadzean, Kay, Lewington; Poyet, Carruthers, Murphy, Bowditch, Powell; Gallagher

Head To Head

The Dons are still searching for their first win over Burnley since they moved from South London to Milton Keynes.

Indeed, the club's last victory over the Clarets came when David Connolly's brace secured a 2-1 triumph at Selhurst Park in May 2003.

Burnley's most recent win over the Dons came courtesy of goals from Kieran Trippier and Andre Amougou in a 2-1 Carling Cup victory in September 2011.

We say: Burnley 2-0 MK Dons

Burnley's form has turned around in a big way in recent weeks and, with MK Dons struggling to string together consistent results, the bookmakers are perhaps right to suggest that the Clarets are favourites to win this encounter. We have plumped for a fourth win in a row for the hosts.

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