Fourth-placed Huddersfield visit third-placed United this Saturday, in a game that is probably the biggest threat to Oxford’s unbeaten home record yet. Huddersfield are just three points behind United, with a game in hand, but have a far inferior goal difference, for now. Coming on the back of three disappointing draws, Oxford will be desperate to win against one of their biggest promotion rivals, although doubtless Huddersfield will be just as fired up, and will have the added incentive of wanting to be the first team to win in the league at the KasStad this season.

After his excellent showing in midfield last night Barry Quinn will almost certainly retain his midfield place, even if Paul Wanless has recovered from his toe injury. The worry is that Ian Atkins might be persuaded to drop Dean Whitehead, who began very quietly last night and only really livened up after ROS Chris Hackett came on. Mark Rawle may have done enough to convince Atkins to start with him, although conversely he may also have shown that he is far better coming off the bench and running at tired defenders. Unfortunately the lump it towards Julian Alsop tactic proved quite effective against York and so it will doubtless be utilised again against a much better Huddersfield side.

The Terriers are likely to include Efe Sodje in their line-up. He was the man whose theatrics ensured an early exit for Alsop up at the McAlpine in December, and is likely to receive a somewhat hostile reception from the Grenoble Road crowd. Since that draw with United Huddersfield have had an excellent run, only losing once (at home to Darlington) and have leapt up the table. Their last four games have included wins over promotion rivals Torquay, Lincoln and Yeovil, and they will be looking to continue this trend on Saturday.

Rage Online’s New Year’s resolution of increased optimism has been sorely tested of late, and indeed this match is just one too far. Having failed to beat the likes of Bury, Bristol Rovers and York, we are unable to see a dispirited, injury-torn, one-dimensional United side raise their game enough to reverse their recent trend. We expect the three points to be going back up the road to Yorkshire, after a 2-0 defeat (if we’re lucky).