OXFORD United will stay in a hotel on Saturday night to aid preparation for their crucial Sky Bet League One clash with Burton Albion.

The U’s host the Brewers in the final match of the season on Sunday, knowing they will reach the play-offs if they better Portsmouth’s and Charlton Athletics’ results.

With kick-off at 12pm, United must adapt to an earlier start time as well as a different day, and they will take the unusual step of staying together before a home fixture.

Robinson used the same tactic when his MK Dons side leapfrogged Preston North End in the final match of the 2014/15 League One season to win automatic promotion.

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The Buckinghamshire club beat Yeovil Town 5-1 while their rivals lost 1-0 at Colchester United and the U’s head coach felt preparation was key.

Robinson said: “We’ll stay over somewhere on Saturday, just so we can do the pre-match properly.

“I remember with MK it went down to the last day with a 12pm kick-off, we were one point behind Preston.

“We felt staying over that night was the right thing for the team.

“All we can do is worry about ourselves.

“Our preparation all season has been exceptional and that will not falter at the last hurdle.

“The players will be ready to perform to the best of their ability.”

The early kick-off also means United’s players will have to bring forward their pre-match meal.

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Robinson said: “At 8.15am (on Sunday) the players will be eating significant amounts of food.

“The good thing about staying over is we can load them up on Saturday night.

“We’ve got a nutritionist and our sports science team, who are very educated on the right preparation for the game.”

United have rejigged their normal schedule in the week leading up to a match in preparation for playing on Sunday.

They normally have Wednesdays off, but the players were in yesterday for running and gym work and will not have to report to the training ground today.

United’s squad will then be back in tomorrow and Saturday as they ramp up their preparations for the visit of Burton.