Off to Scunny

United travel to Glanford Park, Scunthorpe on Saturday looking for a vital victory that they really must secure to keep their play-off challenge properly alive. Given Scunny's superior goal difference the three points are essential and might even give United the luxury of only needing one point against York the following weekend. However even a draw against the Iron might mean that even if the Us secure a win over the Minstermen it might not be enough to get Oxford into the play-off.

United will be able to call on Paul McCarthy, following his two-game suspension, for what would be the final game of his current loan spell, although it could be extended, as has happened with striker Dominic Foley. If McCarthy does come back into the defence it will most likely be at the expense of Dave Waterman, who could return to the midfield instead of James Hunt, or maybe even Dave Savage if he hasn't recovered from the injury he received against Bristol Rovers. Up front Andy Scott is likely to continue, but with Foley extending his loan and Steve Basham playing a part on Monday there is plenty of competition for Scott's partner. We expect it to be Foley, if he's fit, because we're habitual pessimists.

Scunthorpe have an annoying habit of scoring last minute winners against United at their corrugated tin shed that makes the Bescot feel like it has an atmosphere. There could be around 1,000 United supporters making the long trip north for this vital encounter, despite the possibility that we may have to go there again in a couple of weeks if that's how play-off positions pan-out (a big if, admittedly). We strongly suspect that history will be repeated, with the home side again winning by a solitary goal.