KARL Robinson is relishing the hostile reception when Oxford United face AFC Wimbledon tomorrow.

The U’s lost 2-1 at the new Plough Lane in April and their second visit is certain to be different in one respect, with fans allowed in this time.

United will be backed by a sold-out away end, but the Wimbledon faithful should also be in good voice at only their third game back with full crowds at their spiritual home.

The hosts’ history is inextricably linked to MK Dons, where Robinson managed from 2010 to 2016, after the original Wimbledon FC was controversially relocated to Milton Keynes in 2003.

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United’s boss has never been the most popular man in south west London, but he is looking forward to the challenge.

He said: “It’s part of the pantomime that goes with our industry.

“I don’t mind that, because sometimes I don’t mind getting criticised.

“No matter how you conduct yourself over many years people always talk about the club that I’ve been at before, how they were formed and the history.

“I had a great time at MK Dons, we knew the games against AFC were the biggest games for them.

“I always like going there. It’s a fantastic football stadium, we spoke very fondly of it last time we were there.

“It’ll be really nice to see people in it, because I’m sure it holds its atmosphere. We’re looking forward to it.”

United sit third in Sky Bet League One and could climb to the summit with a win, as the top-two clash between Sheffield Wednesday and Sunderland has been postponed due to international call-ups.

But with 41 games still to play, the U’s head coach’s focus is on another statistic.

United claimed ten points from their first block of five matches and Robinson revealed their goal is simply to reach their target for the next batch.

He said: “It’s the first block of five, we’re on zero.

“That might sound pretty boring, but in the summer we were talking about how we saved these blocks of five to the last 25 games of the season.

"It’s worked quite well for us, so maybe we should start from the beginning of the season.

“The league table has no relevance, we speak about the blocks and this is the next block.”

The U’s boss is in the opposite dugout to his namesake tomorrow, with Wimbledon managed by Mark Robinson.

The hosts came out on top in their previous meeting during a strong end to last season as they pulled away from the League One relegation zone.

But the Wimbledon manager, whose side sit 16th, knows United can hurt them.

Mark Robinson said: “I think they’re an excellent side and play outstanding football.

“They’re a team that if you’re not completely switched on they can turn you over convincingly.

“I believe they’ve done that to us in the past.

“If we’re really switched on and play our football then it’ll be a fantastic game.

“They’re a real threat, they didn’t start well last year and got into the play-offs.

“I know there’s a bit of rivalry, but I just need to focus on the football.”