MATTY Taylor cannot wait to find out when he will finally get to take on Swindon Town in an Oxford United shirt.

The striker and his U’s teammates discover their fixtures for the 2020/21 Sky Bet League One campaign at 9am today.

This season sees United resume hostilities with the newly-promoted Robins, who they have not faced since winning 2-1 at the County Ground in February 2017.

Taylor, from Kidlington, knows it is the first game U’s fans will scan the fixture list for, even though it could take place behind closed doors.

After signing a permanent deal with his boyhood club last month, the 30-year-old is relishing playing a part in the derby.

He said: “After we didn’t go up, that was one fixture I was looking forward to.

“I’ve not played in one, but seeing it as a fan before it’s an intense atmosphere, so let’s hope the crowds are back for that.

“It will be a tasty one and hopefully we can come out on top.”

United’s No 9 came through the club’s youth system and still has family and friends living in Oxfordshire, so is well aware of the game’s importance.

He said: “I’ve got mates that go and watch – it’s a big day for them. It’s an intense rivalry.

“It’s not like an inner-city derby, but for some reason it’s just as bad.

“Both sides hate each other and they have been playing catch-up for a few years now, so it’s nice they’re finally in the same league to play them.”

Taylor has had joy against the Robins before, scoring in a 2-1 win for Bristol Rovers in September 2016.

Swindon dropped out of the third tier that season, with 2020/21 their first campaign back.

It gives United the chance to extend their seven-match winning run over the Wiltshire side in the league and major cup competitions.

The only downside is that at least one of the games could take place in an empty stadium, with fans not allowed back inside grounds until October 1 – almost three weeks after the League One season begins on September 12.

Even then, clubs are likely to be limited to 30 per cent capacity, which Taylor admits will take away from the occasion.

He said: “In a perfect world you want the fans back as quickly as possible.

“That’s part of the reason we play football – they make the atmosphere, which makes it more exciting when we’re on the pitch.

“I think they’re back partially in October, so fingers crossed that goes well and we can get back to even fuller stadiums in the not-too-distant future.”