Danny Hylton has warned Oxford United will get “eaten alive” at Stevenage today unless they match their hosts’ appetite for a battle.

Graham Westley’s teams have a reputation for working hard and relishing the physical side of the game.

They have quality, taking 16 points from six games before losing 3-2 at Shrewsbury Town last weekend, but their approach is a culture clash when compared with United.

And Hylton knows the visitors will only get a chance to show their ability if they are prepared to scrap first.

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He said: “It’s a game you know you’re going to have to be up for, because if you’re not, they will eat you alive.

“They’re always a tough team to play, especially with their manager.

“He gets them fired up and it’s going to be like a war zone on the pitch.

“We’ve just got to make sure we win the battle first, because that’s what it’s going to be.”

Michael Appleton fielded a youthful side in last week’s 2-2 draw against Exeter City.

The United head coach acknowledged this will be a completely different game and whoever played needed to be mentally strong.

He said: “It will be almost like a cup-tie environment and we have to deal with the way they play.

“Whether you’re 18 or 34 years old, we need men in terms of personalities and how we approach the game.”

Hylton takes encouragement from the reverse fixture in September.

United controlled the game, but could not take their chances, as a depleted Stevenage held out for a goalless draw.

The forward, who will be looking for his 15th goal of the season today, said: “If we go into the game with a similar attitude I’m sure we can win.”

Much of Stevenage’s resurgence after a slow start has been down to home form.

They are on a seven-game unbeaten run at Broadhall Way in Sky Bet League Two, which includes six victories.

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