Cheltenham v Oxford

I've heard the expression "the business end of the season" used several times in recent weeks, but this game really should be 'the business'.

Oxford look extremely focused now and will have one eye on an automatic promotion spot while Cheltenham aren't out of the running themselves - although recent form (four defeats on the bounce) would suggest that a play-off position might be more realistic.

However, manager Mark Yates is remaining positive as you would expect and has told the local media:

"We are four points off third and six points off eighth so we are still in a good position to build from."

Yates and his players will be hoping the fans get behind them and not on their backs as some of them did last Saturday against Gillingham.

The Oxford fans seem to have settled for the fact that their side won't be trying to impersonate Barca in the remaining fixtures. I spoke to a few after the midweek win at home to Wimbledon and they will be happy to just grind out results in whatever manner it takes if it means they'll close the gap on their buddies from Wiltshire and secure promotion to League One.

Chris Wilder talked of patience being needed at this point in the season and while he was talking about his team, I couldn't help but feel the message was also being directed at the supporters.

It is time for everyone - at both clubs - to hold their nerve and keep (or start) doing the things that have put them in contention.

While I'm a definitely a neutral for this one, nothing would give me more pleasure than to see both teams go up.

Yates as a full squad to pick from in tomorrow's fixture and has also added Yeovil Town's Steve MacLean (who played for the U's last season) on loan until the end of the season along with 6'3" co-striker Ben Burgess from Notts County.

Oxford will be without Tom Craddock, Jon-Paul Pitman, but otherwise have a healthy looking squad to pick from.

Despite the fact that the visitors have only lost one game in the last eleven, I predict that this will be one hell of a game with one hell of an atmosphere and I haven't looked forward to a fixture this much all season. So it'll be a scoreless draw then!

Best of luck to all. Jeff