Roberto Di Matteo believes Carlisle's lack of form will make them even more dangerous when the sides meet at stadium:mk on Saturday.

The Cumbrians have lost their last four League One games but the Dons boss insists that will only fuel their hunger for victory.

He said: "They had a great start and have had a little dip in form lately, but during a long season you won't be able to be at your best all the time.

"They are going to be dangerous because obviously they want to stop this losing streak and get back to winning, so it will be tough game.

"I think they will be in the top six at the end of the season."

Di Matteo has pin-pointed top scorer Danny Graham and midfielder Marc Bridge-Wilkinson as Carlisle's main threats. But he hopes the early televised kick-off will not have an affect on his side's performance.

"The early kick-off shouldn't be a problem, you just have to adapt," he explained.

"I hope the cameras will influence our players in a positive way and they put in a quality performance."

The Dons chief looks set to pick a similar side to the one which beat Millwall last Saturday, with the only player missing being Ali Gerba who is away on international duty with Canada.

But Di Matteo has backed his side to do well, and admits it is key they pick up back-to-back wins for what would be just the second time this season.

"It is a bit of a shame that we don't have a full squad available but that is the situation and we will have to deal with it," he said.

"We can't rely just on Sam Baldock, it is his first full season so let's not put too much responsibility and pressure on him.

"We seem to not be able to achieve back to back wins, that disappoints me, and we have to do something about it sooner rather than later."