Alan Pardew is under no illusions that this is a big test for his Saints side.
Alan Pardew has asked Saints fans to be patient on Saturday, but in a different way than they have to have been so far this season.
From the first ball to be kicked, Saints fans have realised that the side couldnt be rebuilt in a day, they gave Alan Pardew the time to do that and now they are seeing the benefit as the manager has built a side up playing attractive football and they are now winning games.
On Saturday though a different kind of patience is needed, the home fans may see MK Dons enjoy greater possesion than is usual for visitors at SMS, but that could work in Saints favour as they haave players who can attack with pace.
This has been the case in the last two away games as Saints have got men behind the ball, shut their opponents down and then won possession and broken quickly making the opposition pay, OK this time they are the home side, but if the fans stay behind them and realise the game plan that is needed, then another victory could be the result.
A win for Saints would push them a step nearer the play offs and the supporters can play a big part, by firstly turning up in numbers, secondly not putting pressure on the team if they arent dominating, and thirdly raising the roof whenever Saints get the ball.
Some sections of the Saints support will consider the Dons Franchise FC and their supporters JCL's, well the answer to that is to show them what type of support Southampton FC has.