Oh
dear. Barely two and a half weeks ago things were looking rosy in the
garden of Oxford. We were unbeaten in eight league games and on a
winning streak of four matches which had lifted us to within just a
few points of the play-offs. Then we travelled
to Fleetwood, took a pasting and things have barely improved
since, with just one point gained since that match.
Now
it's their turn to come to us and one would expect that revenge is at
the forefront of our minds. But such is the level of disappointment
amongst fans at the way things have gone recently that anticipation
levels are at their lowest for any match this season. The
embarrassing attendance for our last midweek match at home to Burton
looks like it won't be the lowest of the season after all.
Fleetwood
may be challenging hard for a play-off spot and be unbeaten since we
last met them, but they are one of the most poorly supported clubs
in the league and it seems unlikely that they will bring many fans to
boost the gate. They come into the game on the back of a win away at
Torquay. One Fleetwood player who could be feeling the
pressure is record signing Jamille Matt who, after scoring against us
on his debut, has flattered to deceive and come in for criticism
from Fleetwood fans. And another who could be a doubt is experienced
striker Jon Parkin – who also scored against us – after he was
substituted in the first half on Saturday having struggled with his
hamstring lately.
And
in typical Oxford fashion, we have fresh injuries to worry about
after Justin Richards suffered a knock on Saturday which could see
him miss out for this game. Add him to the ever-lengthy list of
absent first-teamers, but one player who could return in some
capacity is Andy Whing. He made an appearance for the reserves last
week against Chinnor and Chris Wilder will be looking to ease him
back into action as soon as possible.
But
it's beginning to feel as if we will never have a fully fit squad and
that the best we can do is write this season off and look to rebuild
in the summer. A victory over Fleetwood, however, could change that
perception, especially if other results go our way – and with
Southend playing Cheltenham and Wycombe facing Bradford we know that
at least two of the teams around us will drop points.
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