York City are tomorrow's visitors to the United Stadium, with both sides hoping that a recent victory will have turned their season around. On Tuesday, United produced one of their better performances of the season, but will be concerned that they only beat Salisbury City 2-1.[@opponent]york city[/@opponent][@connection]york city[/@connection][@report]272[/@report] On Thursday, York, who have had a stuttering start to the season, came from 2-0 down to beat Halifax Town 3-2 for their first home win of the season. While York are struggling to escape from the relegation area, Oxford are six points behind Burton Albion, who occupy the final play-off place. Okay, it's still early in the season, but United will be well aware that the expectation of their supporters is for them to be among the leaders, and that these unrealised expectations are already starting to come out as frustration, and could soon boil over if both performances and form don't soon improve. A decent display of attacking football, coupled with a win of course, could go a long way towards dispelling those frustrations.

There is good news on the injury front for Jim Smith, with the possibility that Gary Twigg will have recovered from his ankle injury and could be on the bench. In addition, both Phil Gilchrist and Chris Willmott are almost ready to return, and both are likely to feature in a specially arranged friendly at Milton United on Tuesday, kick-off 7.30. There is also a possibility that Joel Ledgister will be fit to play against Milton, while fringe players such as Luke Foster should also be given an opportunity to get some much-needed match time under their belts. There are no new injury worries after Tuesday's game, with Paul Shaw, who went off after 20 minutes with a groin twinge, likely to feature.

York have won their last two games, winning 2-0 at Grays Athletic prior to the Halifax game. The win over the Shaymen came despite having several first-team players injured, and with two players suspended following their dismissals at Grays. Last season's visit by York to Oxford was exactly one year prior to tomorrow's match. United won 2-0, with goals from Rob Duffy and Andy Burgess. Rage Online can't see the same scoreline this year, unfortunately, and we suspect that the game will end 2-2. We wouldn't recommend anyone placing any money on the basis of our predictions, though (or for any other reason).

Most of the other Conference sides are playing today, with leaders Torquay United almost certain to beat visitors Droylsden, who are second from bottom, and who are United's next opponents after tomorrow. Third-placed Cambridge United face a tricky trip to Forest Green Rovers, while Stevenage Borough, who are fourth, travel to Grays. Neither second-placed Aldershot, nor fifth-placed Burton, play today, but Salisbury City, in sixth place, host Kidderminster Harriers. Eighth-placed Exeter City are also without a game this weekend, meaning that a win for United will guarantee them going up at least one position, even if only temporarily.