RYAN Ledson knows the secret to Oxford United beating Blackpool – do the opposite of everything in September’s reverse fixture.

Pep Clotet’s side had lost just once in Sky Bet League One before the trip to Bloomfield Road, but a terrible start saw the Tangerines lead 2-0 after a quarter of an hour.

United improved but it was too little, too late as they went down 3-1 to start a run of three successive defeats.

For Ledson, the aim will be to turn the tables and produce the kind of performance which saw the U’s begin 2018 with a 3-1 home victory against Milton Keynes Dons on Monday.

He said: “We’ve got to have the same mentality.

“Blackpool last time wasn’t the best of games for us, they started very well and it was all downhill for us.

“It’s important for us to get on the front foot early doors.

“When we score the first goal, I feel confident we’ll go on to win the game.”

Ledson was encouraged to see the way United pressed MK Dons high up the pitch.

It has its risks, but when done well it makes Clotet’s side difficult to play against.

The midfielder said: “I think we’re a different team when we’re pressing and get after people, not just in my game, but everybody’s.

“It’s having the confidence to do it – if you’re on the back of a few defeats you might just want to sit in.

“But in League One you’ve got to get out to people and the higher up the pitch you win the ball, the better chance you’ve got of scoring goals.

“Back-to-back home wins would be unbelievable, for both players and the fans.”

Dwight Tiendalli is expected to replace the suspended Ricardinho at left back, while new signing Rob Dickie could make his debut.

The visitors are without top-scorer Kyle Vassell, who netted twice against his old club in the reverse fixture, and fellow striker Josh Cullen due to hamstring injuries.

TODAY’S LINE-UPS

Oxford Utd: from Eastwood, Carroll, Martin, Mousinho, Tiendalli, Van Kessel, Ledson, Payne, Ruffels, Thomas, Obika, Mehmeti, Napa, Xemi, Henry, Mowatt, Dickie, Williamson, Shearer.

Blackpool: from Mafoumbi, Mellor, Tilt, Ryan, Robertson, Turton, Longstaff, Solomon-Otabor, Daniel, Cooke, Delfouneso, Roache, Quigley, Philliskirk, Spearing, Wilmer-Anderton, Aimson, Allsop.