Michael loooks ahead to the EFL League Cup
Oxford United go into Tuesday night’s EFL Cup game against Brighton and Hove Albion fresh from a last minute win over Peterborough on Saturday. Chris Maguire’s last minute penalty gave the U’s a 2-1 win and nicely sets up a game against a Seagulls side who were hugely impressive against Michael Appleton’s team in pre-season.
“That pre-season game won’t weigh on the players minds but I do hope it will be on it because I’m hoping that they will want to do something about it". Michael told Yellow Player HD earlier today. “I’d like to think that as professional people the players will want their own performances to improve, regardless of whether it was a friendly or not.
“There were a few little things on the day that we have ironed out since then, but we are playing a top side. Let’s make no bones about it. Brighton are a side that’s looking to play in the Premier League next year- I don’t want to jinx Chris by saying that because I have a lot of respect for him! But we have to be really at it and at our best, and they will have to be below theirs for us to win.”
Although Curtis Nelson, Christian Ribeiro and Robbie Hall are still missing United came through Saturday’s game without any new scares.
“There are no new injuries” Michael said. “A few will be battered and bruised but that’s normal and we’re looking forward to Tuesday now. We can’t afford to make massive changes with the injuries we have. There may be one or two but not much more than that.”
Boosted by a first league win, United will look to repeat their giant-killing against Birmingham City at St Andrews in the last round.
“To score in the 93rd minute or whatever it was meant we had a very similar feeling to the one at Birmingham because in reality you know the opposition have no time to score!
“I felt a bit of relief because it had been frustrating in the previous five or six days; we’d played ever so well against Chesterfield and Birmingham and then for some reason put in two below par performances. I think the performance on Saturday pleased me more than anything and we went about it the right way from the very start. Peterborough had just turned over a very good Millwall side so it was an excellent win. We pressed very hard and the energy was really good and hopefully it will be a similar story on Tuesday night.”
See the full interview plus the thoughts of Josh Ruffels in Yellow Player HD right now.
Season ticket holders are reminded that they have until 5.30pm on Monday to book their usual seats, but prices are reduced in all areas for this match so come along and join us for a great night of cup action under the lights.
Call 01865 337533 or visit www.oufctickets.co.uk to book your place.