OXFORD United’s visit to Sixfields is “huge” for a Northampton Town side who are looking to secure their safety from relegation, according to assistant boss David Kerslake.

The Cobblers have an eight-point cushion on the bottom four in Sky Bet League One, but require one more win to guarantee their status.

And Justin Edinburgh’s No 2 is keen to end any lingering doubts as quickly as possible so they can get on with building for next season.

Kerslake told the Northampton Chronicle: “This is a huge game for us, as we still need the points on the board until we are mathematically safe.

“Every game has to be played like a cup final if you like, so we need to get in a safe position.”

Clashes between the two clubs have been fiery occasions in recent seasons and Kerslake is not expecting anything different tomorrow.

He said: “There is a little bit of extra spice.

“Hopefully that will make our fans even more vocal than they have been and it should be a good one to watch.”

United will be backed by a sold-out away end and supporters have been urged to allow extra time for their journeys.

Northampton Saints are hosting Leicester Tigers in rugby’s Aviva Premiership at Franklin’s Gardens a mile away, which also kicks off at 3pm.

Roadworks on surrounding roads and a circus will add to the congestion.

A minute’s silence will be observed before the game as a mark of respect to those killed and injured in the terrorist attack in London on Wednesday.