Oxford United welcome Peterborough United in the Emirates FA Cup on Saturday with Karl Robinson looking for his side to progress in the cup as well as gain some revenge after defeat at the visitors in the league last month.
“I do think that the league game has more bearing than playing against a side you’ve not played before from a different level” he told iFollow. “You can watch a non-league side’s games before you play them and then see an increase in their performance because they are playing a side from a higher division. But on Saturday we know what to expect: Peterborough are a good team and top of our league so it is fundamentally the hardest draw we could have had.
“They beat us 2-0 at their place although I thought we played OK. They are a side you are always frightened of because they have players at the top end of the pitch who can hurt you. But from my point of view it will be two sides going for a win. I’m sure we will both make changes to the sides from that day but we both want to make progress in the cup.
“I’d rather have a league game ideally because it’s the third time this season that we have won a game in the league and then not had a chance to back it up with another one straight away. That’s infuriating but you can’t have everything and we were happy with the win and performance on Tuesday and can still build from that.
“The two clubs have a mutual respect. They are good people at Peterborough: I can say that because the fans don’t like me much there! But everyone there knows the respect we have for them and it’s two clubs who get on well; I get on well with their Manager but ultimately I know he is coming here looking to do whatever it takes to win, knowing that I will be doing exactly the same.”
See the full interview, plus an exclusive with Mide Shodipo in iFollow where we have the full game LIVE for you to stream. CLICK HERE for your FA Cup Match Pass