Oxford United welcome Blackpool to the Kassam Stadium this evening (6pm) for the Sky Bet League 1 play-off semi-final first leg.
The U's look to make home advantage count ahead of Friday's rematch at Bloomfield Road and with fans at the game for the first time in 2021 it promises to be a night to remember.
TEAM NEWS
United welcome back Brandon Barker who wasn't risked in the game against Burton that sealed a play-off place. The on-loan Rangers winger remained on the bench for that game but is fully fit and available and pushes Elliot Lee and Mide Shodipo for one of the wide roles alongside Matty Taylor.
Player of the Season Sam Long is the one major doubt after limping off with a hamstring problem against Burton; Jamie Hanson and Anthony Forde stand by as potential right-back cover.
Long term absentees John Mousinho and Marcus McGuane are again ruled out but making good progress.
See Karl and Jack Stevens previewing the game in iFollow now.
THE OPPOSITION
Blackpool boss Neil Critchley told the official Blackpool website:
“We knew after the Bristol Rovers game that we had over a week without a fixture, so we always had a plan. Getting that balance right between rest, work, relaxation and preparation is key. We’re all really eager to get going for what will be two really tough matches.
“You have to look at these two matches a bit differently,” he continued.
“You have to focus on the things you can control – what you can guarantee and what you can bring onto the pitch, but there might be areas that you haven’t faced before this season.
“The prospect of playing back in front of supporters again is something we are all looking forward to as well as the games being live on television, so there’s a few changes to what would be a regular game.
“These games are full of emotion and drama. The psychological aspect of these games is different to your normal league game, but we’re ready, excited and looking forward to it.”
MATCH SPONSORS
Our thanks to AD Heating Solutions, our Match Sponsors this evening. Find out more about them HERE
If you are interested in showcasing your business through our Match Sponsor package or other digital opportunities, please contact our Commercial Team by emailing commercial@oufc.co.uk for more information.
FANS AT THE GROUND
4,000 people will be at the game with every season ticket holder who applied for tickets able to attend.
Please note that no further tickets will be available and supporters without tickets should not attend.
A full guide to the rules in place for fans at the ground is available above- please read it and familiarise yourself with the new protocols.
We ask fans to arrive early, and to wear yellow - shirts, scarves, hats, coats; anything that paints the stadium yellow.
COVERAGE
The game is available on SKY TV, which means it cannot be streamed live in iFollow in the UK, although we will have audio commentary.
Overseas fans need to check whether the game is being broadcast in their region. If so then the game can also not be streamed live in iFollow
We have all the build up on twitter and on our official Insta page. Join us on the official YouTube channel for 'Matchday Live', where we have big plans and a very special guest to welcome fans back, available to help you get in to matchday mode from 5.15pm
We will have a full report and Gallery right here on the final whistle and reaction from all the key men in iFollow.
