Northampton Town U18s manager Jon Brady is expecting ‘a real challenge’ when his team travel to MK Dons in the EFL Youth Alliance League on Saturday morning.
The Cobblers go into the fixture on the back of a 0-0 draw at home to Peterborough United last week as they returned to competitive action.
Brady said, "It’s been a tough week for us because we’ve suffered lots of injuries.
"Last Saturday’s game was very physical and we’ve lost a few during the week, which can be turned in to a positive because it gives others an opportunity.
"We go there without first choice players, but the most important thing is to develop those who haven’t been getting a run out."
In their last pre-season outing, the Cobblers secured a convincing 3-1 win at home to the Dons, but Brady is preparing for a much tougher contest on Saturday.
He added, "Every game in this league will be a challenge.
"Saturday will be different because we won’t be playing against the same team.
"MK Dons played a young side two weeks ago because they had a few in the first team that day.
"We’ll play against a more full-strength team on Saturday which will be a real challenge for us.
"We’ve got to be at our best and try to exploit any weaknesses and nullify any threats."