Oxford United are out to make it as horrible as possible for League One Yeovil in today’s FA Cup clash at the Kassam Stadium.
Yeovil boss Terry Skiverton says Oxford’s excellent pitch makes it less daunting than had it been at some other non-League venues.
But United manager Chris Wilder believes his players, and the club’s fans, can combine to make the first-round tie very difficult for the Somerset outfit.
“Yeovil are expected to win, with their quality of players and the league they play in week in, week out,” says Wilder.
“But we want to make it as uncomfortable as possible for them, so if they do win, they’ll have to go through it the hard way and will have to produce a performance of good ability and have a desire that’s better than my players.
“We want to make it awkward on and off the pitch – on the pitch where we don’t give them anything, and off the pitch where there’s a great noise and a great atmosphere that gives our players a lift.”
Wilder has hinted there may be the odd change after some impressive performances from one or two squad members in Tuesday’s 4-0 win at Leicester.
United’s only injury doubt is Jamie Cook, who has hardly trained the past fortnight, so is likely to be on the bench.
“We have the fluidity to change it with shape and personnel, and if we want to go longer and more direct, or go this, that or the other, formation-wise, so they‘ve all got a big part to play.”
Oxford Utd: (from) Clarke, Batt, Creighton, Foster, Kinniburgh, Bulman, Murray, Clist, Green, Constable, Midson, Turley, Cook, Deering, Perry, Sandwith, Day, Potter, Kelly.
Yeovil Tn: (from) McCarthy, Alcock, Caulker, Forbes, MacDonald, Jones, Mason, Kalala, Welsh, Williams, Obika, Lindegaard, Murtagh, Martin, Stam, Hutchins, Smith, Clowes.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here