Chris Wilder keeps faith with the team that got Oxford United to Wembley for Sunday's Blue Square Premier play-off final (5pm).
The U’s boss will name the same side after the team’s strong showing in the two-legged semi-final against Rushden & Diamonds.
And he said quite simply: “We’re ready.”
Wilder believes his players are as prepared as they can be, and the mood in the camp is good – and determined.
The squad looked around Wembley yesterday and that provided an extra inspiration as they visualise what they need to do to try to beat York City and earn a place in the Football League.
“We’re all ready, everybody knows what to expect and what they’re walking into – although you can’t replicate what it will be like with 35,000 Oxford fans there,” he said.
“We looked around different parts at Wembley just to familiarise ourselves with certain things. The place just inspires you.”
It will be the tried-and-trusted 4-3-3 system that the players seem so comfortable in, and now they need to just go out and play as they have done lately.
“I don’t think there are going to be any surprises in either team,” he reiterated.
“I’m delighted with where we’re at. The players are confident, not arrogant, but there is that bit of a swagger back.”
Former manager Jim Smith has no doubt about the importance of the game.
“It is, I think, without a shadow of a doubt, the biggest game in Oxford United’s history,” he said.
The U’s are happy that the final is on a pitch that is very similar in size to their own at the Kassam Stadium.
“The pitch size at Wembley is around what ours is, which means it won’t be too much of a change,” Wilder said.
“It looks like the biggest pitch in the world, but it isn’t, and we’re going onto it determined and in form.”
York have just one injury concern, with striker Richard Pacquette, who would in any case have only been on the bench, feeling his hamstring tighten at the start of the week in training.
If he doesn’t make it, City boss Martin Foyle could have two wingers, Adam Smith and ex-U’s man Courtney Pitt, among his substitutes.
Wilder has just one final decision to make, on which out of Kevin Sandwith and Chris Hargreaves he puts on the bench, along with Billy Turley, Potter, Sam Deering and Rhys Day.
“That probably won’t be until Sunday,” the manager said.
“Either way, it will be about what we feel is best for getting a result.”
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