CHRIS Wilder has laid down the gauntlet to his players – and the supporters – for Oxford United's crunch clash with Histon at the Kassam Stadium tomorrow.

“It's a must-win game, and we know that,” said United's manager.

“Our supporters have been fantastic and if, as looks likely, we have 6,000 there, that will be more than most clubs in League One and some clubs in the Championship have for their games.

“Hopefully our fans can create a positive atmosphere for our players, but can make it horrible and intimidating for them.

“It's common knowledge how Histon play. They are very direct and put teams under a hell of a lot of pressure, doing lots of little things to add to the pressure they try to put you under. It will be a difficult hurdle for us.

“We want to make sure we win the game to keep our season alive.”

Adam Chapman came thro-ugh Northern Ireland Under 21s' 1-1 draw against Ukraine in Portadown, where he played 70 minutes, and the on-loan Sheffield United player will go to right back, replacing the suspended Damian Batt.

Wilder also looks ready to switch to a more orthodox 4-4-2, after the success of the more fluid 4-4-1-1 system, and variations of it, that he has used in away matches, which have brought seven points out of a possible nine.

“As well as Chapman for Batt, Craig Farrell will come back in,” said Wilder, who is set to be presented with the Blue Square Premier Manager of the Month award for March before kick-off.

He has laughed off the superstition that the award is a jinx.

“I've been told that 70 per cent of teams whose manager lifts the award, win the next game so it can't be that bad,” he chuckled.

“Mind you, when it was announced, even my wife said 'oh no!'

“We've had a free week this week, have done some prep work today and will have a good training session tomorrow” he added following training yesterday.

“We want to get out of the traps quickly because we know it's going to be hard.