Oxford United’s next game is in North Wales, as they visit the Racecourse Ground for the first time since December 2013.

Mike Ford in action against Wrexham at the Manor in April 1996 (0-0 if anyone cares)

On the face of it, United’s record against Wrexham is nothing to shout about, having won just seven of the 25 games between the sides. However, that overall picture neglects to reveal that United have won the last four meetings, including that 2-1 FA Cup tie 12 years ago.

Glossing over the fact that Oxford earned just three draws from the previous 13 meetings – which included a run of seven straight defeats – between October 1994 (exactly 30 years before tomorrow’s game) and August 2008, this clearly proves that the U’s are far superior to the Welsh side.

Included in that winless run was the unforgettable 1-1 away draw that virtually condemned United to relegation out of the Football League. Former United manager Denis Smith was in charge of Wrexham that day and, despite his best efforts, the Yellows could only draw. How far both sides have come in the last 20-odd years.

On This Day

As mentioned above, this isn’t the first time that Oxford have faced Wrexham on 22nd October. That previous game ended in a 3-2 defeat for the U’s.

Those who pay special heed to dates and take their omens from them (they probably have a name, but who cares) will get little solace here, as Oxford have failed to win in their last 10 games on this date. You have to go back to a 2-0 win over Fulham in the Associate Members’ Cup in 1985 to find United’s previous victory, and the only league win on 22nd October came in 1977, at home to Plymouth Argyle.

The Game Itself

So, what optimism can be gleaned for Oxford fans ahead of tomorrow night’s trip to LA (sorry, Wrecsam)?

Well, disregarding history, which is a mug’s game anyway, there’s current form; Wrexham haven’t won in their last four games, with a run of three 1-1 draws ending with a 1-0 defeat at Stoke City at the weekend. That was the first time the Dragons have failed to score this season.

They do have two wins, both away, so have yet to get three points at home. U’s fans will not need reminding how often we have seen teams end unwelcome streaks against us – most recently against Sheffield United.

The real optimism comes from having a wily manager like Gary Rowett in charge. The changes he made on Saturday completely foxed Derby’s John Eustace, so we would hope he can produce a similar reaction against Phil Parkinson.

In addition, the United team is now playing as well as it has done all season, with the new signings all seemingly improvements from last term. The strength in depth is something that we’ve not seen for a while either, with a strong bench last Saturday with several players able to come on and affect the game positively.

We are also hopeful that somewhere in Latin America (LA again?) a butterfly’s wings will have a knock-on effect, causing a series of events that culminates in the ball flying into the Wrexham net off Nik Prelec’s left nipple. We can but hope.