Dagenham & Redbridge [@opponent]Dagenham and Redbridge[/@opponent] make their first visit to Oxford this evening for the televised Conference encounter as first-placed Daggers take on second-placed Oxford.[@connection]Dagenham and Redbridge[/@connection] Dagenham are eleven points clear of Oxford, with a game in hand, so even should United win tonight there is little prospect of the Us overhauling the Daggers. However, an Oxford win would give their play-off hopes a huge boost, and will also do much to improve the squad's confidence, having already beaten Dagenham away twice, in the league in Oxford's first Conference away match, and in the FA Cup fourth qualifying round.[@report]257[/@report][@news]589[/@news]

Jim Smith is unlikely to keep the same line-up that drew so disappointingly at Halifax on Wednesday. Leading scorer Rob Duffy has completed his two-match ban for receiving ten yellow cards, and will be vying to displace Marvin Robinson from the side, although having scored in each of the last two games, Robbo III has staked a strong claim to retain his place. New signing Chris Zebroski is likely to make his home debut tonight, although Yemi Odubade's pace could be required to pressurise the visitors' defence. In midfield, Martin Foster is still suspended, and so Carl Pettefer is likely to continue in his place, while Smith may decide that the guile and vision of Andy Burgess is a better option than the hustle and bustle of Chris Hargreaves. Phil Gilchrist could return to the defence after his back injury, but Luke Foster has proven an able deputy, while Barry Quinn has deputised capably enough as captain. One likely change is the return of Gavin Johnson for the somewhat ponderous Rufus Brevett.

Dagenham are on course for their first spell as a Football League side, having led the Conference since they displaced United at the top on New Year's Day. They have been a model of consistency, manager John Still having performed wonders with very few resources, and losing two of his best players during the January transfer window. United have hardly threatened to knock Daggers off their perch, and tonight will be playing for pride and to consolidate their play-off challenge as they take on the champions-elect. Dagenham have won their last five away games, which, with United having lost their last two at home, makes Rage Online reluctant to predict a home win. So we won't. In fact, we'd be surprised if the game didn't finish with the visitors winning 1-0. However, football is a game of surprises…

In yesterday's single Conference game, Cambridge United won 4-1 at Northwich Victoria to move up to 18th, leaving the Vics in 20th place. There is a practically full Conference schedule tomorrow, with United's next visitors, Burton Albion, away at Kidderminster Harriers and third-placed York City at home to Stevenage Borough.