U's revive semi-final memories....
Oxford United welcome Millwall to Grenoble Road on Saturday looking to tame the Lions once again. The last time the teams met was in the JPT semi-final last season when the U’s, then in League 2, came out on top over two legs to book a place at Wembley. Six months down the line, Michael Appleton believes the game still has some relevance to this season’s league encounter.
“It has a bearing because they haven’t changed their style of play too much” he told Yellow Player HD. “If anything they have gone a little bit more direct because of where they are at the moment , but over the 46 games I fully expect Millwall to be in and around the top six. We just have to concentrate on Saturday, and if we can have that bit of composure when we win the ball back then I like to think we can cause them just as many problems as they will cause us.”
Appleton has been boosted by the return of Rob Hall after a knee injury. The former West Ham forward played his first 45 minutes of the season in a friendly at MK Dons on Wednesday along with midfielder Ryan Ledson who could be available for the FA Cup trip to Merstham next weekend.
“We’re delighted to have them back” Michael said. “Ryan has been out for much shorter than Robbie but he came through the game and is chomping at the bit to be involved asap.
“With Rob he was just delighted to get back out of the football field after so long out. He played with a smile on his face and he looked good out there. He is obviously very sore and stiff this morning but he is looking forward to training again on Friday.
“Ryan should be involved again next weekend so long as he doesn’t suffer over the next few days. With Robbie it is going to take a little bit longer, he’s going to need three or four games before he is available for selection.
“Christian Ribeiro is coming on really well but Wes Thomas still has an issue with his calf. He won’t be involved this weekend but I think we are looking at him being back again the following weekend.”
See the full interview plus a feature packed Preview Show in Yellow Player Hd where we have Liam Sercombe, a preview of the FA Youth Cup, John Lundstram taking the 8 Ball Challenge and Miles Welch-Hayes up against Kidlington under 10s in ‘Are you Smarter than a Ten Year Old”
Fans are reminded that this game is ALL TICKET, with none available on the day. Call 01865 337533 or visit www.oufctickets.co.uk before 5.30 on Friday to book your place.