Oxford
return to the ploughed field that is Kassam Stadium looking for their
first win on their own mud since New Year's Day. That was also the
last time that opponents York City won a match, so one of those runs
has to come to an end – unless it's a draw of course.
This
of course is the first time York have come to the Kassam since the
Conference days and they appeared to have settled in nicely to life
back in the Football League, hovering comfortably in mid-table for
most of the season. But with the turn of the year came a suicidal
loss of form, with the Minstermen taking just seven points from a
possible 27 in 2013. They come into this match looking for their
first win eight matches after a disappointing home defeat against
Barnet that has set alarm bells ringing in North Yorkshire and put
manager Gary Mills under
pressure.
He
looks set to make several changes to his side ahead of their trip to
the Kassam, in contrast to Chris Wilder, who will be looking forward
to having the rare opportunity to field a settled side. Jame
Constable and Tom Craddock must surely start up front after
impressing at
Plymouth but there could be changes in midfield as Andy Whing
regains match sharpness. The biggest news on the injury front is, of
course, the return to fitness of Michael Duberry after missing the
last three weeks with a hamstring injury. He will be available for
selection but it's unlikely that he will be thrown straight back into
action from the start, so expect to see him on the bench. Alfie
Potter and Tony Capaldi will also return after illness ruled them out
last weekend.
Also
worth mention is that tomorrow is Military Day at OUFC. Those in the
armed forces who come in uniform get free entry as well as discounts
for their family. There will be a flight simulator outside the
ground, the Abingdon Military Wives Choir will sing before the game
and the British Legion will form the guard of honour. Good stuff.
Oxford
fans of course will have plenty of happy memories involving York
City, after Wembley
2010. But it wasn't such a happy occasion the last time the two
sides met, when York inflicted our first
league defeat of the season on a disastrous afternoon for the
U's. We'll be hoping for revenge this time around.
Further reading: The depressingly familiar debate of the moment at York City.
Further reading: The depressingly familiar debate of the moment at York City.
From the Vaults
Oxford United v York City, 8th August 2009
The
last time York came to the Kassam Stadium was on the opening day of
the 2009-10 season. Hopes were high after Chris Wilder's summer
rebuilding job and a large crowd turned out expecting to see Oxford
get off to a good start. What they saw instead was a disjointed
performance and York deservedly led as the final whistle approached.
Cue a crazy last few minutes as United's topsy-turvy season kicked
off in style...
You can find this and many other old Oxford matches in our Video Vault.
Also This Weekend
The
A420 derby comes to Oxford once again at youth level this weekend, as
our all-conquering youth team welcome that scummy lot from Swindon to
Roman Way. The young U's have already beaten Swindon twice this
season – both away from home – 1-0 in the league back in December
and 4-1 in a League Cup match.
On
Monday evening the U17 apprentice side go to Havant &
Waterlooville in the Conference Youth Alliance looking to build on
their 3-0 win over Dover last week.
And
it's a huge weekend for the ladies team, who play their first ever match at
the Kassam Stadium in their first ever FA Cup fourth-round tie
against Newcastle United. The match kicks off at 13:00 on Sunday with
adult tickets at £5. The ladies reserves are also in action on
Sunday and it's a big weekend for them too, as they play what could
be a title decider against Reading Ladies. The two sides are level on
points at the top of the table, but Reading have a game in hand so a
win for our girls this weekend is essential if they are to keep their
place at the top of the league.
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