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Big guns missing for MK Dons

8:00am Tuesday 9th February 2010


MK Dons have problems in defence and attack ahead of their Johnstone’s Paint Trophy area final second leg against Saints tonight.

Paul Ince’s side, who lost Jason Puncheon to Saints in the transfer window, will be without top scorer Jermaine Easter.

They could also be missing David McCracken as they attempt to turn around a 1-0 first leg deficit to reach Wembley.

Easter, who has scored 17 goals in all competitions for the Dons this season, is suspended after picking up his tenth booking of the campaign in his side’s 3-1 win over Stockport at the weekend.

McCracken is a major doubt after picking up a calf injury which forced him off at half-time at Edgeley Park.

The Dons are already missing centre halves Mathias Doumbe, ex-Saint Darren Powell and Sean O’Hanlon through injury.

It means they may have to field a makeshift central defensive pairing of Dan Woodards and Jude Stirling.

In addition, loanee winger Andros Townsend, who scored at Stockport, is cup tied.

Ince said: “I’ll see what players we have got and make some decisions.”

Like Saints, the Dons had to battle on a very heavy pitch at the weekend and Ince is concerned that fatigue may play a part tonight.

“It’s a horrible game because the (Stockport) pitch has taken a lot out of the lads’ legs,” he said.

Ince, though, added: “We have got nothing to fear, nothing to lose.”

“They are expected to go through but we will just see what happens.”

Easter’s suspension means Aaron Wilbraham will have to lead the line.

The Dons are bound to be fired up tonight after their anger at Saints celebrations after the 1-0 win at stadium:MK in the first leg, something for which Alan Pardew did apologise.

After that game Ince’s assistant, Karl Robinson, fumed: “The cup tie’s still alive, trust me it’s still alive.

“The way they celebrated at the end of the game, we told our players to have a little look.

“The game’s not over and some of their players acted tonight like it was game over.

“It’s far from over.”


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Your Say YourHampshire

stmarysmush, soton says...
8:02am Tue 9 Feb 10

Ohhhhhhh im scared...COYR stuff them tonite.

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Stossie, coventry says...
8:07am Tue 9 Feb 10

Darren Powell injured??, I can't believe it! great chance to witness just how much our great club is back on the rails tonight, we never thought play offs were possible at the start of the season but to be where we are and so excited by cups and general feel good factor is something we should all be celebrating. Going to be driving down this afternoon just reflecting on all of this.

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b.hill-saint, Burgess Hill says...
8:27am Tue 9 Feb 10

We need to get behind them right from the first minute tonight. These Wembley opportunities don't come that often. The crowd will have to play it's part to make sure we control the game throughout. COYR.

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Le Tissier's Nose, Southampton says...
8:28am Tue 9 Feb 10

Can't say I'm exited about tonight - nervous already and I've got 8 hours of work first! Hope they do the business, I'll be there to cheer them on. Hope they don't come out with the attitude that "all their big guns are missing" and thus it will be easy! Think we'll do it though.

One thing that has been playing on my mind the last few days is does anyone know what has happened to David Connolly??

Unless I've missed something he seems to have disappeared?? Is he injured??

We've definitely missed him upfront with Lambert - hopefully he'll be back soon!

Good luck tonight Saints. Wembley is in touching distance!!

COYRAWM!!

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BlandfordSaint, Blandford says...
8:51am Tue 9 Feb 10

So nervous and excited. Totally agree, I have to work until 4 O'clockas well. Lets play 442 and get straight at them. My team for tonight
Kelvin
Tommo
Perry
Jose
Dan
Spider
James
Adam
Ants
Papa
Rickieee
C'mon, I was in Iraq last time we made a final so do it for me.
Are we still walking to Wembley from SMS. Whose idea was that
SW nice-bill, lets hope I have a nice bill for tickets, hotels and beer in London on the 28 march 10.

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Aston-Clinton-Saint, aston clinton says...
9:08am Tue 9 Feb 10

Didn't the echo print a similar article when norwich were supposed to put their "3rd team" out?? Now is not the time for complacency and we must be up for this game. I am a bit nervous about this game but i'd love to see us at Wembley!

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St.DaveH, Shirleyboy says...
9:16am Tue 9 Feb 10

Mk dons have nothing to loose, and will be going for it.....we'll take advantage of that and have it wrapped by half time......(provided we dont sit too deep).....comments by Karl Robinson are just those of a sore looser...well get used to it Karl becuase tonight your out!!!! COYR

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Tirau Dan, Tirau (NZL) says...
9:16am Tue 9 Feb 10

Le Tissier's Nose wrote:
Can't say I'm exited about tonight - nervous already and I've got 8 hours of work first! Hope they do the business, I'll be there to cheer them on. Hope they don't come out with the attitude that "all their big guns are missing" and thus it will be easy! Think we'll do it though.

One thing that has been playing on my mind the last few days is does anyone know what has happened to David Connolly??

Unless I've missed something he seems to have disappeared?? Is he injured??

We've definitely missed him upfront with Lambert - hopefully he'll be back soon!

Good luck tonight Saints. Wembley is in touching distance!!

COYRAWM!!
Davie tweaked his groin... it's one of those really long injuries that he was only just coming back from after nearly two years off so it won't be a rush job. Injury reports on the OS.

We have two teams now within the squad with enough experience to win this game.

What I want is for the players to realise that it's time for them to step up and make this season a success. It's not all up to Pards and his network and they shouldn't need screening from pressure.

It's the players that have missed easy chances, the players that defender poorly against free headers and it's the players that can bring home the Silver and get themselves into the Championship next year. If they play up to expected worth. I think several of them have let themselves and the manager down... The senior player should kick some butt and show us that they want to win.

Come on Saints turn up to win and do it! We know you can... so get out and show us.

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chappers73, Ryde Isle of Wight says...
9:16am Tue 9 Feb 10

It doesn't matter who MK Dons have playing tonight, Saints still have to play against 11 and have to attack the game. If they hold back on their 1-0 lead I can see a tense and nervous game with the fans getting on the players back if things aren't going their way. Lets please put on a performance tonight both the players and the fans and give us a confidence boost going into the weekend game with the skates. COYRs

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ludachris, Waltham says...
9:19am Tue 9 Feb 10

Are there any live feeds for tonights game???

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St. Curious Chimp, Totton says...
9:34am Tue 9 Feb 10

ludachris wrote:
Are there any live feeds for tonights game???
yeah, get down to the SMS, its live there !!!! COYR

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Tirau Dan, Tirau (NZL) says...
9:37am Tue 9 Feb 10

ludachris wrote:
Are there any live feeds for tonights game???
we can never be sure until the game Chris.. but we'll post on the match thread asap back here in the morning NZ time. COYS

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eaglespark, Shirley says...
9:44am Tue 9 Feb 10

ludachris wrote:
Are there any live feeds for tonights game???
I'm petty sure there won't be a feed. I've just checked a reliable listing and there is no mention.
You could always watch P*mpey get beat, whilst listening to our commentary.

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forever a saint, southampton says...
9:56am Tue 9 Feb 10

Got the night off work.Hopefully SMS will be rocking with our fans .Come on boys we can hammer them.

C O Y R

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season ticket holder, totton says...
10:18am Tue 9 Feb 10

chappers73 wrote:
It doesn't matter who MK Dons have playing tonight, Saints still have to play against 11 and have to attack the game. If they hold back on their 1-0 lead I can see a tense and nervous game with the fans getting on the players back if things aren't going their way. Lets please put on a performance tonight both the players and the fans and give us a confidence boost going into the weekend game with the skates. COYRs
Good quote.
Wembley would be a nice day out,but a good performance tonight will give us a boost for Saturday and more importantly a boost for next Saturday against Norwich

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Give Peas a Chance, Eastleigh says...
11:29am Tue 9 Feb 10

Just bought two packets of lucky sweets for tonight (Starburst as well in case the usual wine gums aren't working). Willing to risk tooth decay to help Saints win.

What time does the ground open? Want to be there now.

COYR!! Make it happen.

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milton road, cambridge says...
11:30am Tue 9 Feb 10

tonight we go out 90 mins from wembley. Dons are slightly under strength but nothing is written in stone.
There is no doubt that they will throw everything at us, they have nothing to lose and it may be that we the fans have to show something we are not good at patience.
i expect saints to go through after a few heart stopping moments.
The backing of the crowd tonight will be important and there can be no room for those who do not get behind the team fully and holeheartedly

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allsaintsnocurves, Southampton says...
11:45am Tue 9 Feb 10

My Team for tonight - with the FA Cup game on Sat in mind:

Bart
James Fonte Thomo Mills
Antonio Wotton Gillett Holmes
Ricky Waigo

Subs:
Lallana, Jaidi, Harding, Schneiderlin, Davis, McGlaggon, Gobern

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aussie saint, Sydney says...
11:45am Tue 9 Feb 10

Its 10.30pm in Sydney and I have to try and get 7 hours sleep before getting up to listen to what I hope will be a great day for all saints fans, But I have a concern that all the media is talking about how we should win and the Dons are going to put a make shift team for tonights game. I would much prefer to be the under dog and have all the boys thinking that if they are not on thier game they will be punnished. AP I have confidence that the boys are going to be focused. I (AUS) along with Dan (NZ)and all the other saints fans who will be listening at all stupid times around the world on Saints Player would love to be next to you in the stands, so

SING LOUD
SING PROUD
You lucky buggers
because we will be singing with you

I dont think I will get a minutes sleep

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Scrutinizer, Totton says...
12:51pm Tue 9 Feb 10

Well, the best of luck to the guys tonight! And as we used to say in our American Civil War reenactment battles: "Pour it in to 'em boys! Pour it in to 'em!" Praying for NO serious injuries though while they're at it! We're going to need a fully 100% fit, sharp and committed team for the big one on Saturday, if we're going to avoid slipping up on Poopey!
COYR&Ws!

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The Moog, Ashbourne says...
12:54pm Tue 9 Feb 10

The Moog is on his way!

COYR!!!!!!!!!

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Footso, Bitterne Park says...
1:18pm Tue 9 Feb 10

BlandfordSaint wrote:
So nervous and excited. Totally agree, I have to work until 4 O'clockas well. Lets play 442 and get straight at them. My team for tonight Kelvin Tommo Perry Jose Dan Spider James Adam Ants Papa Rickieee C'mon, I was in Iraq last time we made a final so do it for me. Are we still walking to Wembley from SMS. Whose idea was that SW nice-bill, lets hope I have a nice bill for tickets, hotels and beer in London on the 28 march 10.
I guess so, Blandford, it's been a bit quiet on that front, but I think it's still on the cards. Check the F/b site.

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7saint7, southampton says...
1:23pm Tue 9 Feb 10

woo hoo Wembley here we come . were going to Wembley were going to Wembley now your going to believe us now your going to believe us....... now your going to believe uuussss were going to Wembleeeeey .... COYR

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SaintRachel, London says...
1:39pm Tue 9 Feb 10

Tirau Dan wrote:
ludachris wrote:
Are there any live feeds for tonights game???
we can never be sure until the game Chris.. but we'll post on the match thread asap back here in the morning NZ time. COYS
The feeds for tonight are up now- and no Saints match I'm afraid.

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St Retford, Manchester says...
1:44pm Tue 9 Feb 10

This is such a massive game, and not just because a Wembley final rests on it. I think if we get a result tonight then it will be a huge relaxation of pressure on the lads, and they'll go out and play on Saturday without fear or worry. If we lose then I think doubts will creep into one or two minds ahead of Saturday and the rest of the league campaign, so a win would be a massive, massive result.

I can't wait.

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Southseachris, Southsea says...
1:45pm Tue 9 Feb 10

I have a funny feeling it's going to be a difficult evening. So called 'weakened' sides often play well above themselves with fringe players wanting to show what they can do. If they score first then it's anyone's game; if we get the first goal then it should be all over, but I think it'll be a nervous evening.

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steve1968, southampton says...
3:45pm Tue 9 Feb 10

250 fans coming down apparently, I think your missing a few of those aswell Incey Wincey. Surely theres gonna be more than that ???

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Ross96, Chandlers Ford says...
3:50pm Tue 9 Feb 10

well so do we and you don't see us complaining I guess he'll just use that as an exuse for the thrashing there going to get tonight.
PS do you think there will be a pitch invasion once we win???

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OSPREYSAINT, Southampton says...
3:54pm Tue 9 Feb 10

Nothing less than 100% will be good enough tonight,
I just hope we get some Officials that get it right for once.
I have a feeling it is going to be a good game of football, but still cannot help but be nervous about the outcome, after what we have been through, surely just this once the luck will be on our side and we can see it through.

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