So, it has come down to this. Oxford United welcome Burton Albion on Saturday, knowing that all three points could secure a spot in the League One playoffs.
In fact, a draw would also be enough, providing that Portsmouth lose against Accrington. All Oxford need to do is better Pompey’s result.
However, the U’s may also have to worry about Charlton Athletic, who moved level on points with a win on Tuesday night, but the Addicks would need to better Oxford’s result by six goals which seems unlikely.
Read: Classic Clash: Burton 0-1 Oxford (2008/09)
Despite a 2-1 defeat at Wimbledon, the U’s are in solid form with five wins from their last six games. As for Burton, manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink completed a great escape with the Brewers in 16th place and 13 points about the bottom four, despite being sat in 24th spot when he took over.
The Brewers are also doing well, losing just twice from their last ten games, which includes wins over Fleetwood, Doncaster and Portsmouth.
Oxford have no fresh injury concerns and should be able to field the same starting line-up as the side that produced another comeback against Shrewsbury last time out. Burton will be without Sean Clare, who is on loan from the U’s.
Clare has impressed during his loan spell, scoring once and adding three assists from 20 appearances in midfield. Former U’s striker Kane Hemmings, who netted in the reverse fixture, is the top scorer with 15, while Lucas Akins and Joe Powell have scored 20 goals between them.
Hasselbaink’s first game came after Oxford’s 5-1 win in the reverse fixture. That was a first win in four meetings for the U’s, with Burton winning four of the last eight.
Predicted line-up: Jack Stevens, Josh Ruffels, Rob Atkinson, Elliott Moore, Sam Long, Cameron Brannagan, Mark Sykes, James Henry, Brandon Barker, Elliot Lee, Matty Taylor.
Prediction: Oxford United 2-0 Burton Albion
