Oxford United welcome Shrewsbury Town on Tuesday evening. The U’s only have six games of the season remaining and have to face Steve Cotterill’s side twice in the upcoming fixtures.
Oxford are fresh off the back of a 6-0 win at Crewe on Saturday, while the Shrews played out a goalless draw at Gillingham.
Ahead of the game, we have spoken to Martin from the Killie Shrew View Podcast and he has kindly answered our questions.
Where do you think you’ll finish this season?
17th – we have been stuck there since the first week of January! In all seriousness, we are 12 clear of relegation and 13 off playoffs with 24 to play for and every team we are playing have something to play for. We have enough points to get a decent top half finish so I think 11th would be a good end to the season.
Who do you think will finish in the top six?
Hull as champions and Peterborough for second. Playoffs, in no order, is Blackpool, Portsmouth, Sunderland and either Charlton or yourselves. Fancy Blackpool in the playoff final.
Who do you think will finish in the bottom four?
Tough one but can see it been Bristol Rovers, Rochdale, Northampton and Swindon.
Key player(s) for Shrewsbury?
The main threat will be our left wing back Nathanael Ogbeta – snapped up from Manchester City academy in January. He likes to drive forward at pace and take on the full-back. Both footed and likes to cut inside for a shooting opportunity.
Others to watch out for is Sean Goss, who is calm with the ball in possession and delivers a good set-piece. Shaun Whalley is our most attacking threat with eight goals and six assists and Harry Chapman (on loan from Blackburn) has an eye for goal and they are never tap-ins, with 6 in 15 from out wide.
Thoughts on Steve Cotterill?
Can’t speak highly enough of the guy. Within a month of us been bottom he’s dragged us clear. Currently recovering from COVID since the turn of the year he has gone against doctors orders at times putting his job before health. Luckily, we have managed to get him concentrating on his health but he’s still picking the team and giving out instructions to the assistant and coaches.
He sometimes coming into team talks at halftime and during the game. Just shows his passion and we are lucky to have him. Only been here since the end of November and already loved by us all. When back in full health could achieve great things going forward with his valued experience.
A word on your teams playing style?
A very solid team who like to soak up pressure and counter-attack when playing away from home. Need more creativity and cutting edge in the final third at times. Our three in the middle with two wing-backs works well, with one of three in middle supporting up top. Oxford’s hardest task will be to break down a very solid base of the team which has collected 11 clean sheets and only 12 defeats this season.
Favourite match this season?
The 2-1 win at home to Sunderland to inflict them on their first away defeat of the season.
Least favourite match this season?
There was plenty under Sam Ricketts but the worst had to be losing 1-0 at home to Bristol Rovers. Daniel Udoh, Jason Cummings and Leon Clarke up front and we looked so toothless in attack. Throwing away a two-goal lead at MK Dons (2-2 draw) was a close second.
Has playing behind closed doors affected or hindered your team?
Certain teams need the 12th man when playing at home and our home form suffered in the early part of the season. You can see in every league away teams have faired better.
Any Oxford players you would like to see in your team?
Always liked the look of Matty Taylor – a very good accomplished finisher in the Leagues One and Two. The sort of striker we need but would also ruin at the same time with our track record. Also Liam Kelly, ex-Reading; a very strong box to box midfielder for his size and can hit a good shot.
Thoughts on Oxford?
Oxford I’ve always been impressed with and surprised when they dropped out of the league. Easily a Championship club in the making and are a very good attacking force. Your win against Crewe (6-0) proved that and if you were more consistent this season, despite a poor start, would be a top-two side.
Oxford have won three of the last four meetings. How do you think the game will go?
Hard to say as not played each other yet. We will see some rotation now we have reached 50 points. A very competitive game with Oxford playing more on the front foot as we look to exploit any gaps on the counter. Won’t be a high scoring game and can see us frustrating you.
What do you think the score will be?
A fairly contested 1-1 score draw.
Random fact about your club?
We are proud holders of the Welsh Cup six times and Shropshire Senior Cup 66 times.
