CHEY Dunkley knows exactly how Oxford United need to approach tonight’s game – having upset Manchester City last season.

The centre back, who played 96 games for the U’s before leaving in 2017, was part of the Wigan Athletic side who beat Pep Guardiola’s stars in the Emirates FA Cup last season.

The Latics were a League One side at the time of the 1-0 win and Dunkley felt the key was to break the game down into stages.

He said: “If you can get to 20 minutes without conceding you think ‘we have a foot in the game’.

“At half-time we were saying ‘we’ve gone 45 minutes against a top side’ and once you get to 60 minutes you think ‘we have to have a go’.

“Once we got the goal it was something to hold on to. Then in the last 15 minutes you start to believe.

“You have to enjoy it, but you also need that mentality that you have a ten or 15 per cent chance of winning.”

Tonight’s Carabao Cup tie is the first sell-out at the Kassam Stadium since January 2017, when Newcastle United were beaten 3-0 the FA Cup.

Dunkley played that day and believes a similar atmosphere will make a big difference for the home side.

He said: “You find ten per cent when it’s sold out. It’s the same for everyone.

“People have come out to support you. You can’t guarantee a result, but you want to give them a performance.”

The centre back has adjusted well to life in the Championship, but remains in touch with several U’s players.

He said: “They’ve got a good manager who has done it at this level and you can’t forget stuff like that.

“I look at it on paper and it looks like a strong side to me.

“Fingers crossed the ball drops and they start getting results, it’s not panic stations so early.

“Plymouth last season had it for half a season and it looked like they were in a relegation scrap, but they finished just outside the play-offs.

“I know it doesn’t feel good for the fans or players now but all it can take is one game to change things.”