OXFORD United and Swindon Town will be spurred on by more than just bragging rights tonight, says Karl Robinson.

The U’s take on their arch-rivals at the County Ground (7pm), looking to avenge November’s 2-1 defeat at The Kassam Stadium.

But Robinson knows the bigger picture is also significant as the games start to run out in Sky Bet League One.

Tenth-placed United are five points shy of the play-offs, while Swindon are one point and one place above the relegation zone.

LISTEN: Full preview of tonight's derby

It means closing the gap to the top six will be on Robinson’s mind tonight – as well as preventing the Wiltshire side’s first league double over the U’s since 2000/01.

He said: “The defeat at our place was something that scarred us and we don’t want it to happen again.

“We have the motivation of the fans and trying to get to the play-offs.

“John (Sheridan, Swindon manager) will say the same, they’ll look to get two wins against Oxford and try to get themselves away from the relegation zone.”

United’s defeat to Swindon in November, when the visitors scored twice in the final five minutes, ended a 19-year unbeaten run against their rivals.

It marked a turning point in the U’s season and they have since claimed 34 points from 18 matches – compared to their opponents’ 15 from 19.

But United are also without a win in six games and Robinson knows how much of a boost victory would bring.

He said: “They have to fight right now to stay in the league.

“Equally I’m sure they’ll respect that we’ve got our battle.

Read also: Looking back on United's previous wins at Swindon

“Three points is massive, because we’ve got a big game at Hull at the weekend and could find ourselves two points behind the top six, with a game in hand on some of them.

“On the other side, it’s a massive game for the fans as well.

“We have a desire to do it for the fans and for ourselves.”

United’s fans will miss out on a first visit to the County Ground since February 2017, but Robinson challenged his players to retain the derby-day intensity.

“We have to impose ourselves,” he said.

“Derbies are all about how brave you’re willing to be.

“We have to go there with a very strong mindset to be doubly competitive.”