The MK Dons had to win a place in round two the hard way with a victory over Ipswich Town on penalties after a thrilling 3-3 draw. It was the first ever game played at the new stadium; Leon Knight (14), Alex Bruce (22 og) and Kevin Gallen (120 pen) netting the home sides goals whilst Alan Lee (45 pen), Kieron Murphy (52 og) and Owen Garvan (98) netting for Town.
The home side could line-up with former Blades midfielder Jon-Paul McGovern in their starting eleven; the midfielder joined United at the beginning of the 2002-03 campaign on loan until January from Scottish Premier League outfit Celtic.
The former Wednesday man went to make 14 starts (+4 as a substitute) whilst he netted on three occasions.
Possible Dons Line-up: Willy Gueret, Jude Sterling, Dean Lewington, Sean O'Hanlon, Danny Swailes, Lloyd Dyer, Keith Andrews, Colin Cameron, Mark Wright, Aaron Wilbraham, Leon Knight.
Sheffield United booked there place in round two with a sterling 3-1 victory over rivals Chesterfield; Jonathan Stead netted twice whilst Danny Webber added to the victory whilst former Blades striker Jack Lester netted for the visitors.
The Blades will once again go without injured trio; Lee Hendrie (cartridge), Gary Naysmith (ankle) and Rob Hulse (broken leg) and will not play at the new 22,000 capacity Stadium:MK.
It is highly likely that Blades boss Bryan Robson will weak the squad from that which beat West Bromwich Albion (1-0) last Saturday with goal scorer James Beattie likely to be replaced.
One player who will be keen to make the starting eleven is Mikele Leigertwood who served for the then named Wimbledon between September 2001 and February 2004. He played 64 (+2) times for the Dons and netted three times before moving to Crystal Palace.
Possible Blades Line-Up: Paddy Kenny, Leigh Bromby, Chris Morgan, Evan Horwood, Matthew Kilgallon, David Carney, Mikele Leigertwood, Alan Quinn, Stephen Quinn, Geoff Horsfield, Danny Webber.
:: Last Five Meetings ::
at MK Dons...
- 30.09.2003 - Wimbledon 1-2 Blades
- 26.10.2002 - Wimbledon 1-1 Blades
- 09.11.2001 - Wimbledon 1-1 Blades
- 28.10.2000 - Wimbledon 0-0 Blades
- 18.12.1993 - Wimbledon 2-0 Blades