Clash with AFC Wimbledon will still mean the same to MK Dons even without supporters

MK Dons supporters against AFC Wimbledon last season

While Stadium MK will be empty of partizan and raucous supporters on Saturday, Russell Martin says his players are well aware of what the game against AFC Wimbledon means to MK Dons fans.

Having played in both meetings last season, and scoring a penalty in the shoot-out in the Carabao Cup, Martin is no stranger to the rivalry. But without the supporters for both teams tomorrow, the occasion could have significantly less edge to it come 3pm and kick-off time.

Even though the usual tension and atmosphere around the ground will be absent though, Martin insists all this players are aware of what the game means to those fans who will be watching the game from home this time around.

"I think everyone understands the importance to the club and our fans of this game," he said. "I understand and value that but we have to treat it like any other game. We can’t play the occasion and we’ll prepare for it the same as every game – but knowing what it means to our fans. It’ll be a real shame not having them as they’ll create a really strong atmosphere.

"We’ll try turn it into a game we want it to be, not one they want it to be, as they are very good at what they do. The players are aware of the importance of this game.

"I think it’s the build-up to the game and the way the fans communicate with you. The one down there, their fans were brilliant and we won which was nice. I had some family there who experienced a couple of different things, but felt the atmosphere of the game. It’s one I’m looking forward too and looking forward to managing."

Having signed in the summer, defender Warren O'Hora is set to experience his first meeting between the sides, and admitted the rivalry between the sides was one of the first things he was told when he moved to Stadium MK.

He said: "We know it's a big rivalry, that has been going on for a long time and it was one of the first things I heard about. At the same time though, we have to take emotions out of it and treat it as another game. We know we can do it, we can beat any team if we're up to our standards and get both boxes right we'll give ourselves a real chance to win the game."