Confidence seems to be oozing through Oxford United’s players at the moment, and they are a delight to watch.

But they are preparing themselves for a tough local derby with Cheltenham tomorrow, one equally as testing as they faced at North-ampton last Saturday.

And it will not be helped by Cheltenham’s surprise 2-1 home defeat by Lincoln this week.

The Robins are one of those clubs doing better on their travels at the moment than at home.

They are unbeaten in seven away, yet have suffered four defeats in their last five at home!

This is the start of a demanding week for them, with three successive away games.

After Oxford tomorrow, they travel to Wycombe next Tuesday and then Morecambe next Saturday.

Despite the Lincoln setback, Cheltenham are just a point behind Oxford, so are well placed.

U’s boss Chris Wilder said: “Peo-ple will see it as Oxford v Chelten-ham, a big club against a not-so-big club, but they’ve been in the League a few years and are deservedly up there in the position they’re in.

“I saw them at Shrewsbury and they were the better side.

“I’ve watched them four or five times this year and they’re a good side, a tight-knit group with good players who can pass and play.

“I’m sure it will be a competitive and very difficult game for us.”

A boost for United is that Alfie Potter showed when he came on against Shrewsbury that he is over his shoulder injury.

Credit too should go to Wilder for a smart substitution, with Potter’s introduction keeping Shrewsbury firmly on the back foot.

“I thought we were really positive with our substitutions. We do things we feel are right,” he said.

“They went to a three and we thought it best to have a little bit of width and the wide men deeper.

“So Tommy (Craddock) played a little bit deeper, and Alfie came on, and it took the game away from them really.

“I think their substitutions were designed to stop them possibly going four or five down.”

United’s manager added: “Alfie gave us a spark, and ran at their left back, and caused him all sorts of problems.

“So we’re delighted to get Alfie back amongst us, because he’s a very good young player – a positive player, whether he comes off the bench or starts.”

Potter, whose shoulder was knocked out of joint in a collision during the dramatic 4-3 victory at Torquay on January 3, said: “Three weeks out felt like a long time, especially with the boys doing so well.

“The shoulder’s feeling better, I just need to get a few more minutes now.

“I also need to build up the strength in the shoulder a bit.

“It’s slightly sore, but nothing that will keep me from playing.”