Preview - Oxford United vs Southend United

After a superb away win in midweek over Macclesfield Town, Steve Tilson told the clubs official website that he believes that his side need two wins from the remaining three league games to be certain of automatic promotion. "you can certainly still slip up still because its very tight at the top, so I think we need two wins from three to guarantee promotion" said 38-year old Tilson. Tilson went on to add that the Shrimpers should not take Oxford lightly: "Oxford have nothing to play for but that can be a good thing as you feel more relaxed." He continued: "They have players like Tommy Mooney who can score goals who I know all about having played with him".

Oxford will want to try and pick up from their last match – a disappointing 1-0 away defeat to promotion contenders Swansea City. Kristian ‘O’ Leary grabbed the all important goal with a minute to spare in the first half, at the Vetch Field stadium. Although a 1-0 defeat is not a great result, it proves that Oxford can compete with the better sides in the league, and the Shrimpers will have to concentrate for the full 90 minutes to get a result. Last time out at the Kassam Stadium, Oxford beat Notts County courtesy of two late Tommy Mooney penalties in front of just over 4,500 people.

Eastwood scored a great goal against Oxford last time around

In other past meetings between the two sides, Oxford have won 17 of the total 31 fixtures whilst Southend have won just 10, with the other four games ending in a draw. Of Oxford’s 17 wins, 10 of them have come at the Manor Ground and more recently, the Kassam Stadium whilst Southend have won just four times away and six times at Roots Hall. Overall, Oxford have the better ratio of wins although a draw is not uncommon in fixtures between the two sides either.

In their last six league games, Southend actually have the joint best form in their league having won five games and lost once, whilst the Blues away form is also the best – five wins and one draw from six. The Shrimpers home form isn’t as great as away form but is still good, having won three, drawn two and lost the once. Oxford have been having a topsy-turvy time in their last six matches, having won once, lost twice and drawn the other three games.

Oxford will be looking to former Shrimper Tommy Mooney to score the goals tomorrow as the 33-year old striker is the U’s top scorer with 14 goals from 42 games. Four of Mooney’s strikes this season have been from the penalty spot, which suggests that Mooney is excellent from the spot as well as being prolific in the air. Another source of goals from Oxford is Steve Basham. Attacking midfielder Basham scored last season at the Kassam stadium as Oxford easily beat the Blues 2-0 with a wonderful strike, and he has done well in a stuttering team this season, scoring nine goals from 30 starts. A face that will be easy to spot with Southend fans is that of Leo Roget, who will be fiercely guarding the U’s backline.

Roget celebrates an Oxford goal against Wycombe earlier in the season

The Shrimpers suffered a major blow in mid-week as Che Wilson had to receive 14 stitches to his leg, which means he will be out of tomorrow’s game. Nicky Nicolau looks set to replace Wilson at left back. Bart Griemink is still a week away from a first team recall, and Mark Bentley serves the last of his two match suspension. Jay Smith and Lewis Hunt are both out as well with their long-term injuries. As for Oxford, Jamie Brooks is out with a hip injury and will not return this season.

Lee Mason (Lancashire)