We got the opposition view from James Richards of D3D4Football ahead of Plymouth Argyle vs Oxford.
How did you get into supporting Oxford?
I actually grew up in Portsmouth but my Dad has supported the Yellows since their Headington United days so it was his influence. My uncle is a Reading fan so I keep an eye on their results too but my Dad would never have stood for it if I had supported them.
How have Oxford done since you last played Oxford in mid-October?
That victory over Argyle has proven to be something of a catalyst. Since then we have only lost once in the league and have kept three clean sheets. Given the start we had it has been refreshing to finally start getting some results and move out of the relegation zone.
What is the style of play at the moment?
We are managed by Karl Robinson so it is still very much a ‘play it out from the back’ style but with a bit more pragmatism. We are not afraid to hit it long when under pressure now which my blood pressure really appreciates.
How are ex-Argyle players Curtis Nelson and Jamie Mackie doing?
Curtis Nelson is one of our best players and is likely to leave at the end of the season when his contract expires – a massive blow for the club. I was not that happy when we signed Jamie Mackie this summer and despite some better performances I am still not sold on the two-year-deal he was handed. He works hard but has fitness issues and is not a prolific goal scorer which brings us to your next question.
Are there any obvious weak links in your side?
The most glaring one is the fact that Jamie Mackie is our only senior striker. Jonathan Obika is out for the season and both Sam Smith (on loan from Reading) and Harvey Bradbury are very inexperienced. We have relied on our wingers and midfielders to score the goals with James Henry, Marcus Browne, Gavin Whyte and Ricky Holmes all chipping in.
What would a cup run mean to Oxford?
It would be a nice bonus considering our poor league campaign but staying in League One is the priority especially given the fact it took 16 years to get back to the third tier last time we were relegated from this level.
Who would you like to draw in Round 3 if you were to win?
It would be good to have a Premier League side at home. Beating Swansea and Newcastle in recent cup runs at the Kassam have been high moments that will last long in the memory.
What comes to mind when you think of Plymouth Argyle?
Paul Wotton – I always remember his ability to smash in a corker. Also the passionate fan base are well thought of and have stuck by the club during the hard times.
Which Argyle player, if any, would you like to sign?
Considering his form and our lack of strikers, Freddie Ladapo would be a welcome addition though, knowing our luck, he would probably get injured or disappear on the way to training never to be seen again.
And finally, a prediction for the game?
I think it will be more of a contest than our recent meeting in the league so I will go for a 1-1 draw. I’m sure your fans would love to visit our very atmospheric, well-appointed little stadium again!