Oxford United head for Northampton Town on Saturday in Sky Bet League 1 (3pm)
It's the start of a busy Christmas run of games with the U's playing four times in ten days and a sold out away end looking for United to start the festive period in style.
TEAM NEWS
A 3-0 win over Burton last Saturday saw Des Buckingham's side create plenty of chances and there are unlikely to be too many changes to the squad with Marcus Browne, Kyle Edwards, Greg Leigh, Stephan Negru and Sam Long still unavailable.
However the last couple of games have seen James Henry return to the squad and the influential midfielder is fast approaching a personal landmark. James is now just two games away from 600 senior appearances and is hoping to achieve that during a successful Christmas period.
"It would be nice" he told iFollow. "I'm feeling fit and have loved being out there on the pitch again. We played some really good stuff last weekend and it was really enjoyable to play in.
"We have had some battles with Northampton over the years and we know the fans will be there for us so it's important we don't let that win last weekend count for nothing. We are in a great position and have to try to carry that on.
"I saw something saying I have made 200 appearances for Oxford and that got me looking back, I think it's close between Millwall and Wolves for the next best number but it has been a privilege to play so many games here. If I get to make that 600th appearance over Christmas then that's great, but so long as the team keep winning, that's the most important thing".
You can see more from James plus a full version of the Des Buckingham interview below in iFollow right now.
OPPOSITION
The sold out away end will be matched by a bumper home crowd with Northampton averaging their best home crowds for half a century,
Manager Jon Brady is expecting a fantastic atmosphere:
"To have our biggest attendances for more than 50 years on average is testament to the players and what they are producing out on the pitch at the moment. I think the level we're playing at helps because you see the size of the clubs that we're coming up against in League One, but it fills us with a sense of pride”
Both teams will be given Christmas Day at home with their families with Brady echoing Des Buckingham’s sentiments when he said:
“A lot of our players have families and we are going to give them Christmas Day to spend that time with them. It’s trying to get that balance right, you have to trust your players and I’m sure they will be ready to go for Boxing Day.
“The squad will need managing over these next four games, some players will be earmarked to play certain games and that’s the way it is going to have to be".
TICKETS
This match is ALL TICKET with all away tickets sold. Fans without tickets should not travel.
With a big crowd expected, if you are going then please arrive early.
Missed out? Then come and join us when we welcome Cambridge United to the Kassam Stadium on Boxing Day. CLICK HERE for tickets
London Road Club Travel
Kassam Stadium pick up: 12pm
Kidlington Sainsbury’s pick up: 12:15pm
Prices
| Adult LRC Member | £19 |
| Adult non Member | £22 |
| U18 LRC Member | £17 |
| U18 non Member | £20 |
Places can be booked online at oufctickets.co.uk or by calling 01865 337533
Under 14s must be accompanied by an adult and no alcohol is permitted on the coaches.
COVERAGE
You can hear the game live in iFollow in the UK and see it if you are overseas. CLICK HERE to buy your match pass.
Follow the game on @OUFCOfficial on X and we will have a full report and gallery right here on the final whistle.