Edu Rubio’s side will be looking to continue their fine run of form that has seen them pick up maximum points in their last three EFL Youth Alliance fixtures.
The Dons have won ten of their 13 games this season losing just twice so far this campaign and will be eager to extend their winning run in tonight's FA Youth Cup tie.
Their impressive form this season sees them top their division having scored 29 goals conceding just nine in return. The fixture has to be settled on the night so extra-time and penalties will follow should the sides be level come full-time.
Kick-off is at 7pm.
Southend also enter tonight's clash in good form - the Essex-based outfit have won each of their last three games, meanwhile, Dave Huzzey’s side currently sit second in the EFL Youth Alliance South East Division, seven points behind Rubio’s side.
The Shrimpers are also free-scoring having found the net 27 times this season, however, they have shipped 21 goals in their 13 games.
The Dons geared up for tonight’s FA Youth Cup clash with a 3-0 win over Barnet on Saturday thanks to goals from Jay Bird and a Dylan Asonganyi brace.
Southend meanwhile, overcame Cambridge United 1-0 on Saturday morning with Sewa Marah scoring the only goal of the game.
Finn Tapp: “It’s a great stage for any game, to get out there and impress whoever might be watching. The FA Youth Cup is that little bit more special, it’s a great opportunity that we can hopefully take.
“They are a very physical side, we know what we are up against and know how to deal with a few of their problems.
“If the fans do come down and watch us play then it should be a good night out for families and children that support the club.”
Speaking to southendunited.co.uk Huzzey said: “The FA Youth Cup is a prestigious tournament and the boys are all really excited to play in it. I don’t think you can get a better stadium to play in at this stage of The FA Youth Cup, so to play at Stadium MK is excellent.”
The Dons will have a full squad to pick from tonight including Asonganyi who has already scored 16 goals this season.
Elsewhere, David Kasumu will be looking to feature - the 18-year-old made his full professional debut for the club in last season’s EFL Cup win over Newport County. The midfielder also picked up the man of the match award in the 0-0 draw with Stevenage in last month’s Checkatrade Trophy tie.
Southend United are expected to have Dru Yearwood who has made eight first-team appearances this season in their starting 11 While Nathan Bishop who has featured on the bench for the last nine first-team matches will be starting between the sticks.
The two sides met at the start of the season with Rubio’s side running out 4-3 winners. The Dons will be hoping to improve upon their Second Round finish from the 2016-17 FA Youth Cup.
Referee: Wayne Chalmers
Assistant Referee: Christian Leonte
Assistant Referee: Wyndham Trusler
Supporters wishing the follow the action can do so via mkdons.com’s Match Centre which can be accessed by visiting the home page from 6pm.
There will also be updates on the Club’s Twitter with a full match report available to view on mkdons.com after the final whistle.
