MATCH PREVIEW: MK DONS VS CARDIFF CITY

The Dons were minutes away from bowing out of this year’s competition as they trailed to Leyton Orient with 89 minutes played of their First Round tie. However, an Orient own goal and Carl Baker's finish saw them turn things around in injury time to progress to the Second Round in dramatic style.

Karl Robinson's men are competing in the Sky Bet Championship for the first time after their second place finish in League One last time out. They have made a strong start to their début second tier campaign too, with two wins, one draw and one defeat from their first four matches - including a 4-1 away victory over Rotherham United on opening day.

Several of the Dons' forward-thinking stars from last year - namely Will Grigg, Benik Afobe, Dele Alli and Lewis Baker - are all plying their trade elsewhere this season. However, Robinson will hope that their creativity and goals are replaced through the loan signing of young Southampton target man Sam Gallagher, and the introduction of Wales international Simon Church.

Elsewhere, Matt Upson has been recruited to strengthen their defensive unit, while former Bayern Munich II man Dale Jennings, and Real Madrid Castilla products Sergio Aguza and Cristian Benavente have also joined the Club.

CLUB CONNECTIONS

City winger Matty Kennedy impressed on a short loan spell at Stadium mk in 2013/14. The Scottish youngster joined from parent Club, Everton, making seven appearances for the Dons and scoring in a 2-2 draw with Rotherham United.

Meanwhile, the Bluebirds brought in youth prospect Malvin Kamara from Milton Keynes in 2006/07. The winger, who became known for his unusual ritual of watching Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory to calm his pre-match nerves, played sixteen games for City and netted in a 4-0 victory over Wolves at Ninian Park.

MEMORABLE MEETINGS

The Bluebirds have only met MK Dons twice before, with both of our previous encounters also coming in the League Cup Second Round. City were victorious in both matches as they advanced to the Fourth Round in 2004/05 and the Third in 2008/09.

The away tie in September 2004 saw goals from Lee Bullock, Byron Anthony and a Peter Thorne brace give the Bluebirds a 4-1 win. City went on to beat AFC Bournemouth in the next round before bowing out to Premier League Portsmouth.

It was then a tighter affair at Ninian Park in 2008 as Ross McCormack and Peter Whittingham were on target in a 2-1 victory.

DON'T MISS A MOMENT

TICKETS: Ticket pricing information can be found HERE. For season ticket holders, adults' tickets are as cheap as £10, while kids get in for £1!