U's in good shape as they take on Forest Green
Oxford United’s FA Cup adventure continues on Sunday when they welcome Forest Green Rovers to the Kassam Stadium (2pm).
The U’s needed a replay to beat Braintree in round one, and Head Coach Michael Appleton expects just as tough a game against a Rovers side who are second in the National League.
“We’ll approach it in the same way that most League 1 and 2 clubs do” Michael told Yellow Player HD. “The reality is that winning the competition is probably very minimal but getting to the third or fourth round and playing against one of the big teams in the Premier League is a possibility for all of us. That’s the mindset. We have an opportunity and I’m sure that Forest Green will see it in the same light.”
United have three home games in a week; Forest Green in the FA Cup on Sunday, Yeovil Town in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy on Tuesday and Carlisle United in the league on Saturday and Michael will give the Gloucestershire side plenty of respect this weekend:
“We are used to big matches and tough games, we have had plenty of them in the last few weeks. We will treat Forest Green as though they were playing in League 2 anyway, and they have a fantastic opportunity to make sure they are doing that next season. They have nothing to lose but a lot of experience in the side from players who have played in higher divisions.”
United welcome Jake Wright back into the squad and Michael will be looking for his side to extend their impressive form into the most famous cup competition of them all on Sunday.
“We’ve had a week with no midweek game, which has been unusual, so we should be going into the game fresh. We just have to make sure that the attitude is spot on. I can’t see that side of the preparation being a problem: it’s an FA Cup tie and everyone is looking forward to it.”
See the full interview plus a chat with Johnny Mullins and a Preview Show that features Alex MacDonald, all in Yellow Player HD where we will have the whole game live for you.
Join us for live FA Cup football on Sunday. Prices are reduced in all areas for this game. Call 01865 337533 or visit www.oufctickets.co.uk to book your seat.