Des Buckingham, the manager of Oxford United, is aware of how crucial the team’s final two games are to their chances of making the playoffs. He is aware, though, that following a hectic week, some adjustments might be required.
The U’s play their only match of the entire EFL on Friday night against Stevenage. In terms of the play-off race, this appeared to be a true six-pointer a month ago, but Stevenage’s chances of promotion have vanished following a dismal run of results.
Importantly, some were undoubtedly shocked to learn that Steve Evans would also be leaving the team this week to join Rotherham United. Although it’s unclear how that will effect the players, Oxford should still prepare for a challenging match.
Since Friday’s contest will be the play-off chasers’ third in the previous six days, some rotation is to be expected. Oxford’s winning streak came to an end on Tuesday when they lost at home to fellow play-off contenders Lincoln City, despite seeing impressive performances in their previous three victories. The Imps still have a chance to make the postseason because of that fantastic outcome.
Des Buckingham will want to change that outcome as soon as possible, and a victory over Stevenage on Friday would put them in a great position. The U’s will guarantee their play-off spot if they triumph this weekend and both Lincoln and Blackpool lose. But saying that is easier said than done.
They will likely rotate a bit because this is their third game in the previous six days against Stevenage. Des Buckingham insisted that weariness might also affect the selection in an interview with the Oxford Mail, without disclosing too much.
“We’ll always judge on performance first, and then whether we feel players may be able to get an advantage if we change.
“With three games in six days, you have to look at workload, and it’s a challenge to play the way we want.
“We have to recognise performance, but we also need to make sure with two games to go, we put the best team on the pitch.”
Buckingham will be trying to get his players through Friday and give them a few days off after, as they have eight days to prepare before their final day of travel to Exeter City. The outcome of tonight’s game will significantly influence their training schedule for the upcoming week, as they may have secured their play-off spot this weekend.
Author’s Perspective
Oxford United’s comeback over the past month has been pretty remarkable. Before Tuesday night’s loss to Lincoln City, they had gone five games without a loss, four of which were victories. Buckingham will be optimistic that his team can recover given that they have only allowed two goals in their previous six games, even though Stevenage is currently a total unknown.
Although there have been doubts about Buckingham’s managerial abilities, he has, thus far, maintained the momentum that Liam Manning began, albeit perhaps not to the same degree, and has them in a strong position.
Lincoln will be on their tails tonight if they make a mistake, and the season’s last day might get pretty dramatic.
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