MK Dons boss preparing for a different threat from Cobblers after manager change

MK Dons manager Russell Martin is preparing for a different type of test from Northampton this weekend following their recent change of manager.

Dons and Cobblers have clashed three times already this season but this will be the first meeting since Jon Brady took caretaker charge, replacing Keith Curle.

And having watched Town draw 0-0 at Ipswich in midweek, Martin is expecting them to present a different challenge compared to those previous encounters.

"Things have changed and the players have reacted really well," he told the MK Citizen. "They had a great result (against Ipswich) and probably unlucky not to have all three points.

"It’ll be a really tough game, they’ve made a few changes to what they are doing and the players look like they’ve a lot of energy and freshness. That can happen you get players with a new lease of life as they look to impress.

"It’s going to be a tough game as it always is with Northampton, we have to perform to the levels we have done recently. I have no doubts it’s going to be a tough game and they’ll come here full of energy."

MK Dons, who are coming off impressive wins at Rochdale and Hull, could be boosted by the return of key men Jordan Houghton and David Kasumu.

“Houghts is back in full training this week and will hopefully be available for the squad,” Martin added. “He’s been such an important player for us, so it will be good to have him back.

“We thought David would be involved earlier than this but he had a little setback. We’re hopeful he can be back this weekend, though.”

Louis Thompson remains sidelined along with strikers Kieran Agard and Jay Bird. Cameron Jerome missed the trip to Hull City due to a non-Covid related illness and it is not yet known whether he will return this weekend.

Dons have no other injury concerns and have had a free week to prepare for the visit of Northampton.

"It’s always nice to have that free week and it's been good to get some work in," Martin continued.

"We had a friendly game against Cambridge (United) to get some minutes into those who haven’t played much lately. It’s been a good week of work so far, preparing what we need for Saturday’s game."