Today was a busy day for Milton Keynes Dons, with the team's League One fixtures announced alongside opponents in cup competitions revealed.
Russell Martin's men discovered their full season of fixtures as they look to improve on last year's 13th place finish in League One, with an opening day trip to Bolton Wanderers on Saturday 7th August.
Just three days later, and the Dons will take part in the first round of the Carabao Cup, with yet another road trip - this time down to Dorset to face-off against Championship club AFC Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.
Four days after their initial away days, the Dons play their first home match of the season against Sunderland in league competition. The Dons had positive times against the Black Cats during the 2020/21 season, with a 2-1 away win followed up by a 2-2 draw at Stadium MK, so it will be the team's first opportunity to keep that run going.
Should the Dons manage to defeat Bournemouth in their Carabao Cup trip, the second round of the competition will take place before the first month of the season is out, on the 24th August.
Aston Villa Under-21s were drawn as the final team of the Dons' group in the Papa John's Trophy, joining them alongside Wycombe Wanderers and Burton Albion, though the dates of the tournament have yet to be announced.
Other notable matches around the holiday seasons include an away trip to Lincoln City on Boxing Day, with Gillingham set to travel up to Stadium MK on New Year's Day. Over Easter weekend, the Dons will play Sheffield Wednesday at home on Good Friday before travelling to Karl Robinson's Oxford United on Easter Monday.
For fans eager to see when the Dons will face arch rivals AFC Wimbledon, their first match-up comes on Saturday 9th October around the international break, in a home tie, with the return trip to the New Plough Lane coming on Saturday 9th April.
The 2021/22 season will be wrapped up in an away match against Plymouth Argyle, with the Dons' final match at Stadium MK coming a week earlier against Morecambe.
