OXFORD United will never have a harder block of Sky Bet League One fixtures than this.

That is the view of head coach Karl Robinson, who takes his side to second-placed Wigan Athletic tomorrow.

Four of United’s opponents in this five-game block have played in the Sky Bet Championship in the last four years, including the high-flying Latics.

The U’s drew at Ipswich Town last Saturday, host Fleetwood Town and third-placed Rotherham United next week and then go to Sunderland on December 4.

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Robinson said: “I’ve openly said these five games are probably the hardest run we’ll ever have in League One.

“This is a tremendous league to be associated with and we know we’re going to be challenged in all of them.

“This won’t determine the outcome of the season, but there will certainly be motivation if we win these games."

United’s Emirates FA Cup collapse at Bristol Rovers ended a six-game unbeaten streak, which helped them to sixth in the table.

The Ipswich stalemate also means they have taken seven points from their last three League One away matches.

It is quite a turnaround, having been winless on the road until beating Sheffield Wednesday on October 2, but the victories at Hillsborough and Burton Albion and the draw at Portman Road means United go in full of belief.

Asked if the U’s see themselves as favourites, Robinson said: “Internally yes, but they’ll say they’re favourites.

“The bookies will probably have it as a home win, as they did last Saturday.

“But I think we’ve shown a tremendous level of performance this season, I’ve been ecstatic with the players at Hillsborough and Portman Road.

“We’ve gone to these places and looked completely controlled in our tactical approach, determination, desire and fitness levels.

“I can’t see that being any different at the weekend.”

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It is almost a year to the day since United won 2-1 at Wigan, when the hosts were bottom and Robinson’s side 21st.

The Latics were subject to a takeover in March and made several eye-catching signings during the summer, including Max Power, James McClean and Charlie Wyke.

It means defender Curtis Tilt is the only member of Wigan’s starting XI for this fixture a year ago that is likely to line-up against the U’s again.

Robinson feels last season’s side was stronger than they were given credit for and United were briefly interested in striker Thelo Aasgaard, who scored that day.

The scoreline flattered the hosts on that occasion, but the U’s boss is prepared for a sterner test this time around.

“They’ve got some top players and trying to find out what we think is their strongest team is very hard,” Robinson said.

“When your front players are that good, they give you a much stronger starting point to attack the opposition.

“You know the ball retention and the quality in the final third is top-drawer and we just know we have to be at our best.