Robinson prepares Dons players for '˜intense atmosphere' against Cobblers

A travelling army of 7,000 Northampton fans are making the short trip across the county border into Buckinghamshire, and Robinson is expecting them to make their presence felt at stadiummk.

The prize on offer for the winners of tonight’s tie is a home date in the fourth round with Premier League giants Chelsea, and the Dons boss says that is sure to focus the minds of his players.

“It’s important we make sure we’re ready and raring to go because the prize at the end of it is phenomenal,” said Robinson.

“The players go into the game knowing what the prize is and I’m sure they’ll have the right mentality.

“Our view on this game hasn’t changed since the draw was made.

“Every game we go into we want to win and it’s important for us to do so.

“There’s going to be an intense atmosphere so we need to make sure we’re ready for it.”

The two sides drew the original fixture 2-2 at Sixfields 10 days ago.

Robinson made changes to his team that day, and has said he will again make at least five changes to the team that saw off Reading 1-0 on Saturday.

“We will make changes, but four of them have been forced, (central defender) Kyle McFadzean being one of them,” said the Dons boss.

“There are three others who are struggling and even if we had a league game they wouldn’t be able to start.

“The changes we’ll make have been made for the right reasons but the side is still strong.”

The Cobblers are definitely without Lawson D’Ath (groin), while Alfie Potter (ribs) is rated as ‘touch and go’ by manager Chris Wilder.

New signings James Collins and Lee Martin both miss out as they are cup tied.