KARL Robinson has no desire to field a weakened Oxford United line-up at Walsall tomorrow.

The U’s head into the Emirates FA Cup second round tie still fighting on four fronts, with at least nine games in 33 days up to January 1.

Some managers would sacrifice the competition in favour of their league campaign, but the United head coach is determined to reach the third round, where teams from the Premier League and Sky Bet Championship enter the fray.

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And with more than 1,000 away supporters set to travel to the Bescot Stadium, Robinson wants to give his side the best possible chance of reaching the next stage.

He said: “We’ll field a strong team. When you’re winning games of football tiredness gets forgotten about and you want to keep playing.

“Selling over 1,000 tickets for round two, away at Walsall – just wow.

“We’re the biggest pull at the moment for any team at home.

“It’ll be a great atmosphere, our fans will be singing loud and proud.

“We’re really excited to try to get through to the next round.”

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The U’s are boosted by the return of Jamie Mackie, who was suspended for last Saturday’s 4-0 victory over Southend United.

Robinson is expected to name a similar side to the one that started the game at Roots Hall as United bid to continue their excellent recent form.

The Bescot Stadium holds fond memories for Robinson, with the ground playing host to his first match as a professional manager – a 2-1 win as Milton Keynes Dons boss in August 2010.

More recently, United’s 3-1 triumph at Walsall in April saw the club surpass 50 points for the season and effectively secure their place in Sky Bet League One this season.

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Robinson added: “Last year it was a special place because it signified we were safe.

“I’ve not always won there, but it’s always signified a positive message for the team I’ve been at.

“Hopefully we can continue our run of form and enjoy what we’re doing, and that’s playing for Oxford United.”

The club's current 15-match unbeaten run, which has seen them climb into the Sky Bet League One play-off places, means they are in a much healthier position seven months later.

At full-time of their previous visit, the U’s manager brought his players together in the centre circle, a practice he has repeated several times since.

Robinson believes his squad’s spirit is one of its greatest assets and knows how important coming through the difficult times has been for their good form.

He said: “The players believed in what we were doing, but equally we believed in them as well.

“All those difficult moments we had together stands us in great stead for where we are today.

“We said in that circle to not take anything for granted.”