Roberto Di Matteo does not expect a derby atmosphere to affect his players on Saturday as MK Dons host their first ever meeting with neighbours Northampton Town.

The Dons manager is preparing his squad for a third game in eight days after an opening-day defeat at Leicester and a confidence-boosting victory over Norwich in the Carling Cup.

Saturday's game has been a long time coming for Dons fans, who will be keen to earn the local bragging rights against what are, geographically at least, their nearest rivals.

But Di Matteo, speaking to the press yesterday ahead of the game, said a potentially-fiery atmosphere shouldn't affect his experienced squad.

He said: "I think our players are experienced enough to stay focused on the game and not get caught up in different thoughts.

"It's our first home league game so we want to do well and derby games are always a bit different, a bit special.

"That won't change our approach though; I like to focus on our team and what we have to do, not the opposition."

It's been an excellent start to the season from Stuart Gray's Cobblers, who followed an opening-day 4-2 home win over Cheltenham with an equally-impressive Carling Cup win at Millwall.

So will they be full of confidence as they make the short trip down the M1? Di Matteo thinks so.

"I bet you they will," he said, "they've had two wins this week against two good sides. It's been a very good start to the season for them and it's going to be a tough game.

"Today (Thursday) we've still got some tired legs, we've had two difficult games in four days so the players are still recovering from that.

"Saturday is our third game in the first week of the season and it's important the players recover mentally as well as physically.

"I've been very pleased with the attitude and the performances of the team so far so I have no complaints to make."

Di Matteo's options have taken a positive turn of late with his injury list shrinking considerably.

Central defender Danny Swailes made his comeback from an Achilles problem when he played 65 minutes of the win over Norwich, while Kevin Gallen made the bench.

Drissa Diallo is also close to a first team return after a summer operation on his shoulder and Di Matteo is delighted to see all three players back in full training.

He said: "It's starting to look better now, we don't have any major injuries and everyone seems to be coming back. There are some that need to get a bit more fitness work under the belts though.

"It was important for Danny to come back on Tuesday and I'm looking forward to having the others available as well."