OXFORD United will fancy their chances of claiming a scalp in the Emirates FA Cup third round next month – if they can avoid an upset in the second round next week.
A visit to managerless Rotherham United awaits the winners of the replay at the Kassam Stadium between the U’s and Macclesfield Town.
Michael Appleton’s side must improve to see off the Silkmen, who were the better side in Friday night’s goalless draw at Moss Rose.
While they did not land a Premier League giant, if United could progress, then matching last season’s run to the fourth round would become a distinct possibility.
Rotherham have won just once in 19 Sky Bet Championship games this season and are marooned 11 points adrift at the bottom.
The Millers’ squad includes striker Dexter Blackstock, who came through the U’s youth set-up but was sold to Southampton in 2003 without making an appearance.
Last week Kenny Jackett resigned after five games in charge and interim boss Paul Warne is not interested in taking on the role permanently.
Results in League One are the key for Appleton, whose side are in Checkatrade Trophy action tonight, but the boss is keen for a repeat of last season’s cup runs.
He said: “The FA Cup isn’t our biggest priority, but we’re more than aware that last year the cup competitions were really good for us.
“If you’d not had a good result at the weekend in the league, it was always great to play in a different competition, so we want to stay in as many cups as we can.”
United have not met the Millers since they were together in League Two during the 2012/13 season.
Johnny Mullins, who went on to play for the U’s was on target in a 4-0 win at the Kassam, completing a double after a 3-1 success at home.
The third round matches are due to be played over the weekend of January 7/8.
Bolton Wanderers were due to visit in Sky Bet League One on January 7 and as the Trotters are certain of a place the fixture will have to be rearranged for later in the season.
FA CUP THIRD ROUND DRAW IN FULL
Ipswich Tn v Lincoln or Oldham
Barrow v Rochdale
Man Utd v Reading
Hull City v Swansea
Sunderland v Burnley
QPR v Blackburn
Millwall v Bournemouth
West Ham v Man City
Brighton v MK Dons or Charlton
Blackpool v Barnsley
Wigan v Nottm Forest
Birmingham City v Newcastle Utd
Chelsea v Notts Co or Peterborough
Middlesbrough v Sheff Wed
WBA v Derby Co
Everton v Leicester City
Liverpool v Newport or Plymouth
Wycombe Wands v Northampton Tn or Stourbridge
Watford v Burton
Preston v Arsenal
Cardiff v Fulham
Stoke City v Wolves
Cambridge Utd v Leeds
Bristol City v Shrewsbury or Fleetwood
Huddersfield Tn v Port Vale
Tottenham v Aston Villa
Brentford v Halifax Tn or Eastleigh
Bolton v C Palace
Norwich v Southampton
Sutton Utd v Wimbledon
Accrington v Luton Tn
Rotherham Utd v Oxford Utd or Macclesfield Tn
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel