Unavailable: MK Dons –
Cropper, Forster-Caskey, Gallagher, Carruthers, Walsh, Randall, Jennings, Potter
Southampton – Forster, Gardoş, Clasie,
After the excitement and eventual
disappointment for Southampton in their match against Manchester United at the
weekend, the lead-up to this League Cup tie has been somewhat understated, yet
it offers a real opportunity for Ronald Koeman’s team. Many predict a season of
mid-table mediocrity at St Mary’s, therefore progression would be a welcome
distraction. Often the object of sneers, the League Cup represents a trophy
that Southampton have the ability to win. Without the Europa League to compete
in, the club has a squad with strength in depth; Koeman will be able to give
youngsters and fringe players a chance to flourish, while also fielding several
first-team regulars. If Saints were to progress at stadium:mk, it would prop
the door open for them to have a successful run; as a number of all Premier
League ties signifies that several top tier clubs will not continue in the
competition.
This will be no mean feat though. Koeman is
well aware of the threat that is posed by lower league opposition after being
dumped out of the competition by League One Sheffield United last season. Yet the
Blades were unquestionably determined to run out victors that night – this
cannot be said for MK Dons manager, Karl Robinson. The Liverpudlian is
disenchanted with this season’s competition, after the game was moved to a
Wednesday night to allow Southampton a suitable recovery period after their
clash with United. The Dons boss believes that the timing of the match will
leave his side fatigued for their Saturday lunchtime game at home to Derby. He
declared in blunt fashion that he doesn’t “really care about the Southampton
game.” Yet this statement could prove to be a masterstroke, as it will
alleviate pressure off his players. Moreover, the Dons do have weapons in their
arsenal to hurt Saints. Robinson has built a culture of playing the game in “the
right way” over the past few years at the club, and his team demonstrate that
with their impressive fluid style. No player encapsulates this more than former
Saint Ben Reeves. Once a left-back, he now occupies the No 10 slot, and is a
real talisman for the Buckinghamshire club, as he carves open defences on a
regular basis. Meanwhile, former Saints ‘keeper Cody Cropper is injured
resulting in his absence, while loanee Sam Gallagher is cup tied. Despite the
threat that the Dons possess, Southampton should have some joy if they force
the issue at stadium:mk. It is likely that Shane Long and Jay Rodriguez will both
enjoy a starting berth, and trouble a Dons defence lacking in speed with their
pace and guile. Nevertheless, Championship opposition has provided an
uncomfortable stumbling block for Saints in recent years; therefore they will
have to display professionalism to come through unscathed.
Due to the unpredictable nature of line-ups
in the early rounds of the League Cup, there will be no ‘Key Battles’ section
for this match.
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