United are back in action on Boxing Day, three weeks after their last Conference game, in which they beat Ebbsfleet United 4-2. Since then the Us have been eliminated from the FA Cup at Barrow, but progressed in the FA Trophy at the expense of Hayes & Yeading United. The Hayes game was two weeks ago, with United's game at Cambridge United last Friday called off because of the rubbish weather. That match has now been rearranged for Tuesday 2 March.

The enforced rest has benefitted Oxford, as it has allowed injured players to recover to full fitness, notably right-back Damian Batt. The only absentee from the squad is skipper Adam Murray, who is suspended for one game after clocking up five yellow cards; James Constable will be captain for the day. There will almost certainly be changes to the side that beat H&Y, and not just being Murrayless. Ryan Clarke is likely to resume goalkeeping duties, with Mark Creighton coming back into central defence. Beano will definitely play up front (else how could he be captain?) while Dannie Bulman will be fit to return to midfield.

Rushden's last game was also a 1-0 FA Trophy win, over Billericay, but they haven't won in the Conference since 21 November, when the won 3-1 at Salisbury City. That defeat ended a run of six straight victories, and doubtless the Diamonds will be keen to get back on track. They currently lie in eighth place, 19 points adrift of United and five points shy of a play-off place. [@opponent]rushden & diamonds[/@opponent] [@connection]rushden & diamonds[/@connection]

In the meantime, Rage Online would like to wish all our readers a happy holiday, if that's what floats your boat, although we fully appreciate that any happiness will be dependent on Saturday's result. Let's just hope that we don't have a white christmas.