MK Dons face AFC Wimbledon on Tuesday in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.The fixture that many said 'should never have happened` is in fact taking place for a third time on Tuesday, with the Dons (that`s MK), winning the previous two in the FA Cup and the League Cup respectively, with 'Heel of God` moments from Jon Otsemabor and Kyle McFadzean in each of these games. The media hype surrounding the fixture, that most fans now just want to 'get over and done with`, is significantly less, but there remains a bitter desire from both sets of fans for the result to go their way. Although he probably wouldn`t have put out his strongest side anyway, Robinson has been forced into a number of changes for Tuesday`s encounter. Key players Ben Reeves, Will Grigg and Dele Alli have all linked up with their respective national sides so will not be available for Tuesday, which opens up a number of spaces for other players to come in and win a special place in the hearts of Dons fans. Benik Afobe, who scored in the League Cup against AFC earlier this season, will likely lead the line while new signing Carl Baker, who made an appearance as a substitute against Yeovil on Saturday, could make his first start. Hitchcock, Bowditch, Carruthers and Powell will all be pushing for the attacking positions while Randall (who has been impressive so far this season) should take Alli`s place alongside Potter in midfield. Lee Hodson (ankle) remains a long-term absentee but winger Danny Green (hamstring), who has not appeared since August, is close to returning. Tom Flanagan could also miss out after being forced off at Yeovil after receiving a bang to the head. The Dons had no defenders on the bench for that game so will be hoping fellow defender Kay will be back to full fitness.AFC`s Jack Smith made his return from a knee injury in the 1-1 draw with Cheltenham, but manager Ardley may opt against risking the summer signing as he continues his return to full fitness while Callum Kennedy or Ben Harrison could come in.Sitting 13th in the table with play-offs not an unattainable possibility, the Johnstone's Paint Trophy isn`t the priority for the Kingstonian outfit, but the desire to pull off a result for those not boycotting will nevertheless be strong. 2nd top scorer and journeyman striker Adebayo Akinfenwa could create problems for a home defence that has looked shaky in recent games. Odds will be on the Dons to claim a third victory over their arch-rivals at stadium:mk, while the travelling contingent will be looking to keep their calm this time round should the men in blue and yellow manage a goal.
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Date:Monday October 6 2014
Time: 5:15PM
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