By Jon Colman

Last updated at 11:09, Saturday, 11 October 2008

MK Dons boss Roberto Di Matteo has tipped Carlisle United to mount a revival in League One and make the play-offs.

Roberto Di Matteo

Former Chelsea favourite Di Matteo will be aiming to add to the Blues’ misery by inflicting a fifth straight league defeat on John Ward’s men at stadium:mk today.

But the Italian says he isn’t fooled by the Cumbrians’ plummeting form.

“They had a great start and have had a little dip in form lately, but during a long season you won’t be able to be at your best all the time,” said Di Matteo, who took the reins from Paul Ince in the summer.

“They are going to be dangerous because obviously they want to stop this losing streak and get back to winning, so it will be tough game.

“I think they will be in the top six at the end of the season, and I think Danny Graham and Marc Bridge-Wilkinson will be the key men for them. But we have to focus on ourselves and what we are going to do.”

Di Matteo has helped the Dons press on from last season’s League Two title-winning campaign. They are eighth in the third tier and are expecting to make a play-off push of their own next spring.

The manager is without Ali Gerba today as the striker is on international duty with Canada. He should be replaced by former QPR ace Kevin Gallen in the only expected change to the side that won 4-0 at Millwall last weekend.

On today’s televised clash which kicks off at 12.15pm, Di Matteo added: “The early kick-off shouldn’t be a problem, you just have to adapt.

“I hope the cameras will influence the players in a positive way and they put in a quality performance.”

UNITED manager John Ward said the Dons’ progress under chairman Peter Winkleman has been the perfect response to fans who believe their relocation and change of identity from Wimbledon was immoral.

“They have put together a very successful football club on and off the pitch,” said Ward. “They tell me the stadium is fantastic, a wonderful place to go, they’ve got an internationally renowned manager and they’re very progressive.

“They’ve got some financial backing which is the envy of a lot of clubs, even at our level. They’ve put together a very strong case for what they've done and fair play to them for that.”

First published at 09:32, Saturday, 11 October 2008
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk