ADVER Sport spoke to the Oxford Mail’s James Roberts to get the lowdown on Swindon Town’s upcoming opponents, Oxford United.

Why have Oxford been struggling to pick up results this season?

JR: Boss Karl Robinson insisted United would not suffer a hangover from July’s play-off final defeat, but some key players from last season haven’t been firing.

Some of his summer signings have also struggled to get going too, although former Barcelona man Marcus McGuane has recently started to show what he can do and could be one to watch.

Injuries have also played a part - particularly in defence - with influential midfielder Cameron Brannagan in the midst of a long spell on the sidelines thanks to a worrying eye problem that thankfully seems to be on the mend.

That has meant a lot of enforced chopping and changing, preventing United from building up too much consistency.

Is Karl Robinson under any pressure to win to save his job?

JR: Not really, even after a disappointing start. He only signed a new five-year contract in September and has plenty of credit in the bank. He’ll know how important it is to win the derby though!

How many local lads are United likely to start/involve?

JR: Probably four and they could all start.

Matty Taylor is United’s number nine and itching to taste his first derby with his hometown club, while Sam Long and Josh Ruffels are likely to occupy the full-back slots.

Jordan Obita is another yet to face Swindon with United and impressed on the left wing against Wigan last week.

Who are Oxford’s danger-men?

JR: When James Henry is on form, United invariably are too. The experienced midfielder can play centrally or on the right of a front three and built up a lethal partnership with Taylor last season.

Taylor is a very good striker for this level when on form and returned to the scoresheet at Wigan after a mini drought.

When he’s on form he only needs one chance, although he has not yet hit the heights of last season when he bagged 17 goals at a rate of almost one every two games.

Game and scored prediction?

JR: I reckon it’ll be tight, especially with both teams fighting towards the bottom of the table.

United haven’t kept a clean sheet yet in the league this season so here’s hoping that comes tomorrow. I’ll say 2-1 United.