OXFORD United fans travelling by rail to Derby County on Saturday can expect to face less disruption than initially feared.

Aslef union members at eight train operators are striking due to a dispute over pay, with 5,500 staff expected to walk out.

It is expected to cause significant disruption on a big weekend for sport, as the English Football League season gets under way and the Commonwealth Games takes place in Birmingham.

READ MORE: Oxford United set to take huge following to Derby

Chiltern Railways was expected to join the industrial action on Saturday, but the company has since confirmed it will run a normal timetable.

It is a boost for U’s supporters planning to travel to Derby from Oxford Parkway, Bicester North or Haddenham & Thame Parkway, although services are likely to be very busy due to strikes on other routes.

Great Western Railway staff are still expected to join the walkout, which will affect United fans hoping to start their journey at Didcot Parkway.

CrossCountry is not involved in the strike action and is expected to run normal services between Oxford and Derby, via Birmingham.

More than 3,000 United supporters are set to travel to Pride Park for the Sky Bet League One opener, their biggest away following since January 2020.

About 40,000 workers are involved in a separate 24-hour strike taking place today, organised by the RMT.