What do Oxford United need to finish in League One play-offs?

Four teams will be challenging for the final two spots in the top six, with fifth to eighth separated by just two points.

Barnsley are fifth on 75 points, followed by the Imps and the U’s on 74 points, and with the former’s goal difference better by five. Blackpool are then eighth on 73 points.

The League One play-off race going into the final day (Image: BBC Sport)

So what would each result mean for United to finish in either fifth or sixth place?

WIN

If the U’s take three points at Exeter City on Saturday, they can still finish fifth, but would need both Barnsley and Lincoln to drop points. The Imps could also win, but United would have to overturn the goal difference swing.

Victory can clinch sixth, if one of Barnsley or Lincoln drop points.

READ ALSO: Reflections on a rollercoaster week for Oxford United

DRAW

The U’s can still finish fifth with a draw, but Barnsley and Lincoln would have to lose, and Blackpool would have to draw or lose.

Sixth spot would be claimed via a draw if Lincoln lose and Blackpool fail to win; Barnsley lose and Blackpool fail to win; both Barnsley and Lincoln lose, and Blackpool win.

LOSS

Is it possible for United to finish in the top six, even with a defeat at St James Park? Technically, yes, although they obviously can’t finish fifth.

The U’s would need the goal difference swing of five to Lincoln, to come into play. For example, if United lose by one goal, then the Imps would need to lose by six, and so forth.

Blackpool would also need to draw or lose, but the U’s cannot lose by five if Blackpool draw.

FINAL DAY FIXTURES

Barnsley v Northampton Town

Exeter City v OXFORD UNITED

Lincoln City v Portsmouth

Reading v Blackpool