The Dons face a Premier League test tonight when they entertain Southampton in the third round of the Capital One Cup.
Karl Robinson’s men booked their place in this stage of the competition with an extra-time victory over Cardiff City back in August, having previously seen off Leyton Orient in round one.
The Dons have history of causing upsets in the Capital One Cup - Blackpool, Norwich City, Manchester United all sides who have been beaten by Robinson’s sides while representing the Premier League.
It’s also worth noting that, so far this season, the men from MK1 boast a 100% record at stadiummk on a week night.
THE OPPOSITION
Southampton begin their Capital One Cup journey tonight having entered the competition at this stage due to their involvement in the Europa League.
Ronald Koeman’s men have made a reasonable start to their Premier League campaign and currently sit 16th in the table with six points to their name. They have, though, won just three times so far this season in all competitions.
Despite their history, the Saints have never won the Capital One Cup before although they did reach the final in 1976. Last season, they reached the quarter final stage before being knocked out by League 1 Sheffield United.
VIEW FROM THE DUGOUTS
Karl Robinson: “We played against them when they were a League 1 side and since then they’ve gone from strength to strength. They’ve managed to sustain themselves in the Premier League with a very strong team.”
Ronald Koeman: “I expect a tough game because for (MK Dons) it’s a great opportunity to play a Premier League team. We need to be prepared because in this kind of competition it’s not about the level you play against, because they fight for their lives in these kind of matches.”
TEAM NEWS
New signing Nicky Maynard could be in line to make his Dons debut after the Club received international clearance for the striker while boss Robinson has confirmed both Sergio Aguza and Cristian Benavente will start.
Jake Forster-Caskey, who also joined the Dons on Tuesday, will not be available to feature as he has already played in the Capital One Cup this season for Brighton & Hove Albion. Saints striker Sam Gallagher is also ineligible due to the terms of his loan.
Elsewhere, Darren Potter (knee), Dale Jennings (knee), Cody Cropper (knee), Joe Walsh (knee) and Mark Randall (pelvis) remained sidelined while Dean Bowditch (ankle) and Matt Upson (calf) are also absent.
Samir Carruthers begins a three-match suspension for the red card he received in last Saturday’s clash with Leeds United so won’t be available but Ben Reeves is expected to be in the matchday squad once again as he continues his recovery from a hamstring problem.
Southampton, meanwhile, have confirmed that full-back Ryan Betrand will be involved.
Midfielder Jordy Clasie isn’t expected to feature despite returning to training while striker Graziano Pelle is out with a foot injury. Florin Garods and Fraser Forster remain sidelined for the Saints too.
ODDS COURTESY OF SKY BET
To win the tie:
MK Dons – 9/4
Southampton – 1/3
Method of victory (either team):
Extra-time – 13/2
Penalties – 5/1
First goalscorer:
Shane Long – 9/2
Jay Rodriguez – 5/1
Sadio Mane – 6/1
Simon Church – 15/2
Carl Baker – 9/1
Cristian Benavente – 12/1
Cristian Benavente to score first and Dons to win 1-0 – 100/1
*All odds correct at the time of writing
Click here for odds on all Capital One Cup outright markets - don't forget the Dons benefit every time you win with Sky Bet!
Tickets for tonight's tie with Southampton are priced at £15 for adults, £12 for over-65s and under-21s, £5 for under-18s and only £1 for under-12s!
To purchase tickets click here, visit the Box Office at stadiummk/kiosk at thecentre:mk or call 0333 200 5343.
The Dons have history of causing upsets in the Capital One Cup - Blackpool, Norwich City, Manchester United all sides who have been beaten by Robinson’s sides while representing the Premier League.
It’s also worth noting that, so far this season, the men from MK1 boast a 100% record at stadiummk on a week night.
THE OPPOSITION
Southampton begin their Capital One Cup journey tonight having entered the competition at this stage due to their involvement in the Europa League.
Ronald Koeman’s men have made a reasonable start to their Premier League campaign and currently sit 16th in the table with six points to their name. They have, though, won just three times so far this season in all competitions.
Despite their history, the Saints have never won the Capital One Cup before although they did reach the final in 1976. Last season, they reached the quarter final stage before being knocked out by League 1 Sheffield United.
VIEW FROM THE DUGOUTS
Karl Robinson: “We played against them when they were a League 1 side and since then they’ve gone from strength to strength. They’ve managed to sustain themselves in the Premier League with a very strong team.”
Ronald Koeman: “I expect a tough game because for (MK Dons) it’s a great opportunity to play a Premier League team. We need to be prepared because in this kind of competition it’s not about the level you play against, because they fight for their lives in these kind of matches.”
TEAM NEWS
New signing Nicky Maynard could be in line to make his Dons debut after the Club received international clearance for the striker while boss Robinson has confirmed both Sergio Aguza and Cristian Benavente will start.
Jake Forster-Caskey, who also joined the Dons on Tuesday, will not be available to feature as he has already played in the Capital One Cup this season for Brighton & Hove Albion. Saints striker Sam Gallagher is also ineligible due to the terms of his loan.
Elsewhere, Darren Potter (knee), Dale Jennings (knee), Cody Cropper (knee), Joe Walsh (knee) and Mark Randall (pelvis) remained sidelined while Dean Bowditch (ankle) and Matt Upson (calf) are also absent.
Samir Carruthers begins a three-match suspension for the red card he received in last Saturday’s clash with Leeds United so won’t be available but Ben Reeves is expected to be in the matchday squad once again as he continues his recovery from a hamstring problem.
Southampton, meanwhile, have confirmed that full-back Ryan Betrand will be involved.
Midfielder Jordy Clasie isn’t expected to feature despite returning to training while striker Graziano Pelle is out with a foot injury. Florin Garods and Fraser Forster remain sidelined for the Saints too.
ODDS COURTESY OF SKY BET
To win the tie:
MK Dons – 9/4
Southampton – 1/3
Method of victory (either team):
Extra-time – 13/2
Penalties – 5/1
First goalscorer:
Shane Long – 9/2
Jay Rodriguez – 5/1
Sadio Mane – 6/1
Simon Church – 15/2
Carl Baker – 9/1
Cristian Benavente – 12/1
Cristian Benavente to score first and Dons to win 1-0 – 100/1
*All odds correct at the time of writing
Click here for odds on all Capital One Cup outright markets - don't forget the Dons benefit every time you win with Sky Bet!
Tickets for tonight's tie with Southampton are priced at £15 for adults, £12 for over-65s and under-21s, £5 for under-18s and only £1 for under-12s!
To purchase tickets click here, visit the Box Office at stadiummk/kiosk at thecentre:mk or call 0333 200 5343.
