Enough for Oxford & Cambridge?

Up next for Stevenage in their push for the play-offs is Oxford United at Broadhall Way. Chris Wilder’s side, along with Boro are one of the form teams in the league and are making a late push for the last realistic play-off spot. The ex Halifax boss has transformed the fortunes of the U’s and what looked like being another season in mid-table obscurity could now turn into a promotion winning one?

Oxford have been in superb form recently with James Constable in particular standing out. His goals have lifted Oxford into the top ten and he is now challenging Steve Morison for the BSP top scorer award. They are beginning to pick some really impressive results with away wins at Rushden & Kettering in the last two games. If there is one team that can ruin Boro’s proud unbeaten record of 21 games then it’s Chris Wilder’s side and he would love nothing better.

“Chris Wilder has done very well over the years. He took Halifax to the play-offs and within minutes of the Football League. He knows the game in the league and plays the game a certain way and his side at Oxford are really doing him proud. It’s a credit to him that he has gone in there and turned things around and started posting some good results. You never underestimate a Chris Wilder side.” Westley on the job Wilder has done at the Kassam Stadium

It’s a massive game for both sides tomorrow. If Boro win then Oxford will have a lot of work to do to reach the play-offs, but if it’s an away win then Boro are facing an uphill task themselves. I think if Boro can win their home games then that will be enough to see them get into 5th. Games against Oxford, Kidderminster and Torquay are huge and Westley’s side need to be on top form to get anything from them. Missing tomorrow is Andy Drury who has picked up a hamstring injury. Drury’s absence is a big blow for Boro. He has been one of the players to make an impact in recent weeks and is likely to be replaced by Lawrie Wilson on the right wing.

I think GW will start with Boylan, if fit, and Morison up top, leaving new loan signing Junior Mendes on the bench. He will come on at some point though I think. Oxford have a few injury worries as well, but full back Kevin Sandwith is back after a 1 match ban. Oxford are our biggest test since Cambridge away and to be honest I think I would be content with a draw, knowing how well they are playing at the moment. We have to take care of Constable as he is the main threat. He’s always seemed to score goals against us, so I wouldn’t be surprised if he did again tomorrow. Clist in the midfield is also a very handy player and someone I would of liked us to sign in January. Overall, I think tomorrow will be a very tight affair, which is winnable, but more likely will end up being a draw like the last 2 visits that Oxford have made to Broadhall Way.

Prediction: Boro 2-2 Oxford