MK DONS were hotly tipped to make their return to League One a short one after being relegated from the Championship.

The fact they have spent the entire campaign in the bottom half shows how unpredictable a division this has been.

Saturday's win over Shrewsbury ended a run of three games without a goal for a side who are arguably the biggest under-achievers.

Kieran Agard, the striker who proved too expensive for City in August, took his tally up to 12 for the season.

But the Dons are still closer to the bottom four than the top six.

Boss Robbie Neilson, who succeeded long-term manager Karl Robinson in December, has not completely ruled out a late tilt at extending their season.

"It's important we don't get carried away by a few results," he said.

"Our aim is to try and get as high up the league as possible. There's still an opportunity to get (into the) play-offs. It's going to be very difficult but you have to aim for that.

"The whole season can turn in a week in this league. We've got a good squad who can score goals and we're not interested in talk about looking over our shoulder."

The Dons' problems have been close to home – City are one of eight visiting sides to have won at stadium MK. They did not claim a first win in their own backyard until December 10, against Wimbledon of all teams.

It is a better story on the road, where they have picked up 22 of their 42 points and won six out of 15. The Bantams will be on their guard tonight.

Midfielder Ed Upson is back from suspension and Neilson has plenty of options to change things – stalwart left back Dean Lewington was on the bench at the weekend.

Neilson locked horns with Stuart McCall in Scotland as Hearts boss.

He said: "I know Stuart well. I've coached against him when he was at Rangers and I was up the road. He has come down here and done a great job and they're hoping to get promoted."

City will have recent history on their side. They have won six of the last seven meetings and are bidding to complete a league double for the third time in a row.

MK Dons last won at Valley Parade in 2008 – a 2-1 victory that clinched the League Two title under Paul Ince's command.