Oxford United are playing catch-up in the EFL Trophy with two group games still to go and they will be chasing victory over Cheltenham Town in a bid to bolster their qualification aspirations.
The U's lost their opener on penalties after a 2-2 draw with Exeter, leaving them three points behind Cheltenham in Group A of the Southern Section.
The Robins have four points from their two games, having won shootouts against both Exeter and Tottenham under-21s, but will know that this fixture could be make-or-break.
That is because Oxford still have Tottenham's youngsters to play and two wins would guarantee that they join current group leaders Exeter in the knockout stages.
Oxford are going great guns in League One as they sit third while Cheltenham have dropped to fifth in League Two after some recent setbacks.
Oxford United v Cheltenham Town Tips Summary
Best Bet - Oxford United -1 goal on handicap @ 8/13
Alternative Bet - Siriki Dembele anytime goalscorer @ 13/10
Bet Builder - Oxford to be winning at half-time, Over 2.5 Oxford goals & both teams to score - no @ 14/5
Oxford United v Cheltenham Town Prediction
Best Bet - Oxford United -1 goal on handicap @ 8/13
Balancing cup competitions with league matters can be difficult for managers but Aaron Ramsey has no excuse ahead of Oxford's tussle with Cheltenham.
Oxford's League One clash with Peterborough on Saturday has been called off due to international call-ups, so Ramsey should field a strong side as they chase a vital win in this competition.
A win would see Cheltenham progress alongside Exeter but manager Steve Cotterill may know that is a tall order and have one eye on Saturday's League Two trip to the Grecians.
The Robins sit fifth in the fourth tier but they have lost four of their last six games and are struggling for consistency.
Cheltenham have lost by at least two goals on their last three League Two trips to Accrington, Oldham and Tranmere, so Oxford should be confident.
The hosts have lost only one of their 13 League One matches and they should be keen to put in a strong performance after Saturday's FA Cup exit to Stevenage.
Alternative Bet - Siriki Dembele anytime goalscorer @ 13/10
Siriki Dembele was one of the few left out of the squad by Ramsey for Saturday's FA Cup defeat to Stevenage, but with no weekend fixture, it would be no surprise to see him return.
Dembele has been integral for Oxford this season, scoring two goals and providing four assists in 13 League One appearances.
The 30-year-old has played at a much higher level in recent seasons, not only with Oxford but with Birmingham and Bournemouth too, and if he starts, he should be set for an action-packed evening.
Oxford United v Cheltenham Town Bet Builder Tip
Oxford to be winning at half-time
Over 2.5 Oxford goals
Both teams to score - no
Pays 14/5
Oxford are unbeaten at home in League One, recording four wins and three draws, and can stamp their authority early against inferior rivals.
Cheltenham have been leaky on the road of late, losing three on the spin and conceding nine goals, so Oxford could run riot if they get an early lead.
Cheltenham may struggle to offer much in reply. Oxford have kept four clean sheets in their last six home league games, conceding only twice, and are a well-oiled machine.
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Key Match Stats
Oxford have lost only one of their last 12 matches in 90 minutes
Oxford are unbeaten after seven home games in League One
Cheltenham have failed to win any of their last four away matches suffering three straight defeats
Oxford have won three of their last four meetings against Cheltenham
Both teams have scored in only one of Oxford's last five
Six of Oxford's last seven games have gone under 2.5 goals
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
