Macclesfield Town return to the KasStad this evening to play the game that was originally scheduled for 23 February, but which fell victim to the cold snap. Back then, Macc had won five games on the trot, but now they have failed to win any of their last three matches. Oxford had just beaten Cheltenham, having lost their two previous matches, but now United have also failed to win any of their last three games, most recently going down 3-0 to relegation-threatened Shrewsbury. It would be a surprise if tonight’s match didn’t set the record for the lowest league crowd at the Kas, currently standing at 4,089 against Lincoln, earlier this season.

United have received some good news on the injury front, with Mateo Corbo and Paul Wanless both taking part in yesterday’s training session. Corbo has missed the last four matches with a calf injury that he sustained at Mansfield, while Wanny played on at Shrewsbury after suffering a similar injury at the end of the first half. Jon Ashton, who was substituted after just 15 minutes on Saturday, and Leo Roget, United’s two first-choice centre-backs, are still ruled out. Oxford will still be without Danny Brown, Jamie Brooks, Tom Winters, and Rob Wolleaston, who yesterday became a father (congrats, mate. Wanna buy some baby shoes?). Amine Karam is still waiting patiently for his first involvement with the first team.

The Silkmen will definitely be without leading scorer Jon Parkin, who is serving a suspension, while Danny Swailes is also unlikely to play after injuring his ankle ligaments. Goalkeeper Alan Fettis is fit to return to the side, although stand-in keeper Steve Wilson may have performed well enough at Scunthorpe on Saturday to retain his place. Macc’s manager is, of course, Brian Horton, who spent five, largely unsuccessful, seasons at United.

Macclesfield need to win tonight to intensify their challenge for automatic promotion, while Oxford only have pride left to play for following Kidderminster’s defeat at Wycombe on Saturday which left United safe from relegation, although judging by Saturday’s performance there’s little enough pride left. Horacio Rodriguez has now returned from his overseas jaunt to rectify his work-permit problems, although Ramon Diaz remains AWOL. According to some spurious sources Diaz has been deported by the Home Office for visa irregularities, although the club has vigourously denied this and Jean-Marc Goiran claims that Diaz will be back at United soon. Given everything, Rage Online can’t see Oxford giving Macc too much trouble, and we predict a 2-0 win for the away team.