CAMERON Brannagan is adamant – Oxford United have what it takes to pull off an almighty shock tonight.
A sold-out Kassam Stadium will host the Carabao Cup quarter-final against Manchester City and the hosts are looking to do more than just make up the numbers.
Pep Guardiola’s men won 3-0 in last season’s third-round meeting, but were only one goal up with 15 minutes remaining.
United dumped out West Ham United 4-0 at the same stage this term and Brannagan, who returned from injury on Saturday, is certain they can cause City problems.
He said: “People might laugh at me, but I believe we can win. I’m not just saying that.
“We’ll go into the game confident and with the ability we’ve got we can hurt anyone.
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“At the end of the day it’s you versus him.
“The price tag might be a bit different and they might get a little bit more money than we do, but that’s it, there’s nothing else in it.
“I honestly believe we can do it.”
The opponents will give Brannagan extra motivation.
While he came through the academy at Liverpool, the midfielder was born and raised in Manchester as a supporter of City’s bitter rivals.
He said: “I’m a Man United fan and I’ve got a few friends who will be in the away end, so if I scored at that end I’m off that way (to celebrate).”
Brannagan and Shandon Baptiste eased United’s injury problems when they returned to action in Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at Milton Keynes Dons.
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Top scorer James Henry is also in line for a return, but boss Karl Robinson admits he would have loved to be going into tonight’s game with a squad closer to full fitness, like he had against West Ham.
“100 per cent, it frustrates me a little bit, but it is what it is,” he said.
“I think the important thing is don’t expect us to come out of the traps to be all energy and dominating.
“The fans are going to have to be patient with us to get anything out of the game.
“The big message from me is to enjoy the occasion.”
United will also use the tie to pay tribute to former manager Jim Smith, who died aged 79 last week.
Robinson said: “If we can almost replicate the atmosphere we’ve had at home of late and pay our respects to Jim and his family that in itself would be a fitting evening.
"We have to make sure we do that right."
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