Oxford United are still waiting to find out if either Cameron Brannagan or Elliott Moore will be available for their clash with promotion chasers Peterborough United on Saturday.
It’s an important game in the course of Oxford’s season, as they look to secure the final League One play-off spot. With a two point gap to Lincoln City with four games to go, their destiny is in their own hands however given the Imps are on a 16 match unbeaten run at the minute, the U’s cannot afford to open the door.
Despite being fairly erratic for large parts of the second half of the season, Des Buckingham’s side are unbeaten in their last four, three of those being wins. Their last two matches have seen them put four past Fleetwood Town and Burton Albion respectively and although neither exactly represent strong opposition, they’re coming into form at the right time.
Peterborough do however represent a completely different test and after winning the EFL Trophy last weekend, eased past Port Vale during the week and will be full of confidence. The game could become even harder for Oxford, with two key men potentially not available at the weekend.
Both Cameron Brannagan, as well as club captain Elliott Moore were forced off of the field in their 4-0 win over Burton which put somewhat of a dampener on the mood. Although both have trained this week, there is no guarantee that they’ll recover in time.
Speaking to the Oxford Mail, Buckingham gave an update on two of his key men.
“They’ve been with the medical team most of the week, so we’ll just see how they respond, and then we’ll make a decision on their involvement. It just depends on how they respond, and if they come through that, they’ll be available for selection.
“On the coach on the way home, Cam was saying that he’ll be ready for Saturday, and that’s the mindset of both of them.
“Sometimes the body can take a little bit longer to heal than the mind, but we’ve done as much as we can, as have they this week, to try and put them in the best place to be available on Saturday.”
Given both Brannagan and Moore have been instrumental to the club’s success this season, it would be a huge boost if they do both return to the fold, however it is by no means a certainty and they could play a reduced part in the clash with Peterborough.
Writer’s View
Oxford fans could be sweating a tiny bit when the line-ups come out at 2pm tomorrow and they’ll be anxiously waiting to see if either Brannagan or Moore is in the team. Buckingham’s update is a positive one, however he’ll want them at 100% if they are to return, especially with a huge game against Lincoln City on Tuesday night.
Peterborough represent an incredibly tough task for the U’s who then face the aforementioned Lincoln on Tuesday night in a proverbial six-pointer. Wins in both of those could be enough to secure them a play-off spot which would be an incredible achievement for the club.
If they are to make the play-offs, both Brannagan and Moore’s involvement this season would’ve played a significant role.
