Southend United boss Steve Tilson is looking to capitalise on Milton Keynes Dons 5-0 defeat against Carlisle United.

The Dons, who are just outside the play-off spots, were on the end of a five star performance from Carlisle last weekend.

And Tilson hopes his Blues side, who are in need of three points themselves, can take advantage of their wounded confidence.

"That result can go one of two ways for them," Tilson told southendunited.co.uk. "They will be looking to bounce back whatever but after losing 5-0 I don't think their heads will be too high.

"Hopefully they will be lacking a bit of confidence; so we have to make a good start and be in the game."

Paul Ince's MK Dons side were until recently in the top six as they bid to gain promotion to the Championship.

United already picked up a 2-1 win in League One at Roots Hall earlier this season thanks to Lee Barnard's last gasp penalty.

But it was Southend's display in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy at stadium:mk that still grates the most for Tilson.

"They have had a lot of injuries lately, and although they have a big squad, the injuries have made an impact on their results in the last month," he said.

"Paul Ince has assembled a good footballing side who want to get the ball down and play though.

"We lost against them in the JPT and for me that is the one game this season we have been totally outplayed.

"It was the one match I wasn't too pleased about with our performance so we will be looking to right a few wrongs there."