There's nothing like a local derby to put things right.

Although Wycombe do not come close to Swindon in the 'must beat' stakes, tomorrow's match is crucial to Oxford United if they are to send out a message to the fans that they are capable of mounting a serious bid for the play-offs.

Tuesday's defeat at the hands of Kidderminster was unbelievably disappointing, given the buzz around the Kassam Stadium after three good results.

It is ironic too, that the biggest home crowd of the season watched the match - an ideal opportunity to try and woo a few more back on a regular basis.

But the U's did not perform, and they must now show the public what they are made of.

Defeat against Wycombe would badly hit gates, but a good team performance may convince a few that Tuesday's defeat was just a blip.

However, they will have to beat a side that are also looking to impress a new manager.

Both Oxford and Wycombe waved goodbye to their former Arsenal and England bosses more than a month ago - Graham Rix after a dire run of form and Tony Adams for personal reasons.

Caretaker managers Darren Patterson and Keith Ryan both staked strong claims for the job, but both were overlooked by the respective chairmen.

United opted for Ramon Diaz, and Wycombe announced John Gorman as their new chief.

Both got off to great starts, but have stuttered over the Christmas period.

Oxford were unbeaten in their first three matches, but defeat earlier this week has seen them slip back into relegation trouble, rather than play-off contention.

Wycombe were in 17th when Adams left, but a good run saw Gorman's side leap up to sixth.

However, they lost 1-0 against Southend on Boxing Day, before going down 2-1 at Macclesfield this week.

They now find themselves in ninth place, in the middle of a host of clubs separated by just three or four points.

Gorman has brought in striker Drewe Broughton on loan from Southend, a target of former Oxford boss Mark Wright, and he is likely to play some part.

And how Oxford would like to have someone of Steve Guppy's qualities on the left wing.

The former Leicester and Celtic man is on a match-to-match contact at the Causeway Stadium, but has missed the last two matches after being struck down with 'flu.

Jamie Brooks has done okay for United as a fill-in left winger, but Guppy has that extra quality to shine in this division, and is expected take his place in the starting line-up.

Diaz knows his side must bounce back after Tuesday's defeat, but says that, to him, the fact it is a derby match should not be important.

"Every match is crucial, and while I know Wycombe are close by, all that matters for me is that Oxford win the three points," he said.