United’s next foray into league action sees them make the short trip down the A40 to Cheltenham. Oxford will be trying to halt the club’s current run, which has seen them lose their last two games. Eighth-placed Cheltenham are six points ahead of United, and have won their last three games, although they lost on their visit to the KasStad at the end of October, thanks to a Tommy Mooney header.

Horacio Rodriguez welcomes new loan signing Juan Pablo Raponi into the squad, who will probably displace his compatriot Lucas Cominelli if he comes straight into the starting line-up. The remainder of the midfield remains a mystery, with Barry Quinn in good form, and captain Lee Bradbury also playing well, but somewhat misplaced when wide on the left. In defence Jon Ashton will hopefully have recovered from his flu, which could lead to a recall, especially with the news that Leo Roget is suspended, having picked up five bookings. Up front, Craig Davies, now a professional, will almost certainly partner Mooney.

Saturday’s referee is Keith Stroud, who was in charge of United’s 3-1 win over Bury in September, when he booked Bradbury. Since Cheltenham joined the league, United have visited Whaddon Road twice, and have yet to win there, although that obviously has no bearing on this weekend’s result. It should be noted that in league games involving these two clubs the away side has yet to score, however, we’re going with our staple fallback position: 1-1.