OXFORD United, who broke QPR hearts the last time they reached a cup final back in 1986, can heap further misery on the Londoners in a key Division 1 clash at Loftus Road tonight (7.45).

Despite earning a vital point with a 2-2 draw at Sunderland on Friday night, Rangers remain deep in relegation trouble and believe they need to win both remaining home games, against United and Bury, to be safe.

But the U's are now mathematically safe following Saturday's 2-1 derby win over Swindon Town and they can go out and play without any pressure.

Manager Malcolm Shotton has midfielder David Smith available again after suspension and he has hinted that he may throw in a youngster every now and again towards the end of the season.

He did so with Jamie Cook against Swindon and Tony Wright seems likely to get his chance before flying out to Italy with Wales Under 21s.

Defender Phil Gilchrist, who has been outstanding in recent games, said: "There is no pressure on us. We can go to QPR, have a good night and hopefully put on a good performance."

Said Shotton: "QPR are fighting for their lives and they came back well from 2-0 down at Sunderland."

Scorer of both Rangers goals at the Stadium of Light was Mike Sheron, who declared: "Oxford is a big game for us. But our form has not been the best of late so we will need to keep scrapping for everything."

Since beating Middles-brough 5-0 at the start of last month QPR have scored just five goals in six games, but the spirit at Loftus Road has been lifted by the signing of experienced duo Neil Ruddock, on loan from Liverpool, and Vinnie Jones from Wimbledon.

Rangers boss Ray Harford has also captured left back Ian Baraclough from Notts County, and winger Tony Scully, a £150,000 buy from Manchester City.

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