Striker Aaron Wilbraham says the determination to avoid a Saints whitewash will be the driving force behind MK Dons at stadiummk this weekend.

The Dons host big-spending Southampton in Coca-Cola League 1 on Saturday, looking to end a run of three straight defeats against Alan Pardew's men this season.

It's a run that has led many to dub the south coast side the Dons' bogey team this term - Pardew's men having won the St Mary's meeting in the league and both legs of the recent Johnstone's Paint Trophy Area Final.

But front-man Wilbraham says MK's recent performances, which have included wins over Leyton Orient and Swindon and a 3-3 draw at Brentford, should be act as a shot in the arm ahead of their latest encounter.

He said: "We've had some consistency in the last couple of weeks and the lads will take a lot of confidence from that. We've performed pretty well in those games and should really have made it nine points out of nine at Brentford.

"All the lads will be aiming for a better performance against Southampton. It's hurt us, losing three times to them this season, and we definitely don't want it to be four.

"We've still got a chance of making the play-offs, so we've got to give it our best shot and be ready in case the teams above us slip up."

The Saints' expensively-assembled side boasts some of League 1's premier attacking talent, with £1 million, 27-goal hitman Rickie Lambert supported by the likes of Lee Barnard, Adam Lallana and former Dons maverick Jason Puncheon.

But having experienced Southampton's physical approach on a number of occasions this term, Wilbraham says it's important the Dons' play their usual passing game as well as match the strength of Pardew's team.

He said: "They've got a lot of good players - Rickie Lambert's a friend of mine so I know what a great striker he is and nobody will need reminding about Punch - but they're also very physical so we'll have to make sure we match them and don't get bullied.

"Having said that, we can't just get drawn into a battle, we've got to make sure we play our football when we can because that's when we're at our best."

You can read more from Aaron Wilbraham in the main interview in Saturday's matchday programme, available from vendors around the ground priced £3.00.

Tickets for Saturday's clash with Southampton are on sale from the MK Dons Online Ticket Service, over the phone on 01908 622900, from the MK Dons Box Office at stadiummk and the Box Office on Crown Walk at thecentre:mk.

The MK Dons Box Office at stadiummk is now open from 8.30am - 6.00pm Monday to Friday, with extended hours until 8.00pm on Thursdays. Supporters ordering tickets by phone must provide formal identification upon collection. Tickets can only be collected by the credit card holder purchasing the tickets. For more information call the Box Office hotline on 01908 622900.