And so the play-offs are here. Again. Tonight Oxford visit Nene Park for the second time this season, but with the stakes much higher. Just over one month ago United rescued a point when Sam Deering equalised a Rhys Day own goal in a 1-1 draw against Rushden & Diamonds. A similar result tonight would probably be acceptable to both sides, leaving Monday's second leg a potentially precious pressurised encounter. Tonight, though, the biggest crowd to have watched the sides in Irthlingborough will be biting their collective and individual nails in the opening act of a two-part drama.

Chris Wilder has reported that, with the exception of long-term injury victim Adam Murray, United have a fully fit squad. It is almost certain, therefore, that Ryan Clarke will play in goal, with Damian Batt at right back and Anthony Tonkin at left-back, despite some solid performances from Kevin Sandwith in Tonkin's absence recently. Jake Wright is most likely to be one of the centre-back pair, with Mark Creighton probably getting the nod ahead of Rhys day for the other slot. Up front it is almost inconceivable that leading scorer James Constable will be left out, while one of Matt Green or, more likely, Jack Midson will partner him. It is in the midfield where the Us have the greatest riches, and therefore the greatest scope for alternatives. In central midfield the defensive prowess of Dannie Bulman could be challenged by the experience of Chris Hargreaves or the eagerness of Lewis Chalmers, while the creative talents of Adam Chapman might be utilised to complement the ball-winning talents of one of the others. Simon Clist has frequently played on the left flank, but with other wide players such as Alfie Potter and Frannie Green available, nothing is certain. In addition, Sam Deering, often used as an impact substitute, has shown that he can play effectively from the start, either out wide or just behind the front pair. It is unlikely, given recent performances, that John Grant or Jamie Cook will feature, while Billy Turley and possibly Aaron Woodley could be on the bench.

For the Diamonds, ex-U Mickey Corcoran is an injury doubt, but they still have three former United players in Rob Wolleaston, Craig Farrell, and on-loan Jefferson Louis. But that's enough about them.

Nervous? Yes. Excited? Yes. Confident? er, possibly. Whatever happens, Oxford have progressed far under Wilder and chairman Kelvin Thomas. There are foundations in place for future building, and the only way to go is forwards. Let's go! [@news]2686[/@news] [@opponent]rushden & diamonds[/@opponent] [@connection]rushden & diamonds[/@connection]