Elliott Moore has labelled today’s clash with Peterborough United as a “big game” in the Yellows season.

Peterborough sit fifth just one point behind Des Buckingham’s side who travel to Weston Homes Stadium with a win taking the U's level on points with second-place Bolton.

Buckingham’s tenure started with a disappointing 2-0 loss at Cheltenham Town but since then United drew to Bolton, who face league leaders Portsmouth on Monday night, and secured progress in two cup competitions.

The Posh alongside Bolton Wanderers has scored the most goals in Sky Bet League finding the back of the net 37 times.

The U’s managed to keep a clean sheet in the goalless draw at home to the Trotters in their last league game, as well as against Grimsby Town and Forest Green Rovers in the Emirates FA Cup and EFL Trophy.

Club captain and centre back Moore praised Peterbough’s attacking threats but insisted his side must be confident they can bring three points back to the Kassam Stadium.

Moore said: “We are confident, we have got to be in the form that we are in and where we are in the table.

“They are a good team as are most teams in this division now, every game comes with its challenges. We are looking forward to it.

“Peterborough, ever since I have been here, have always been up there and obviously got promoted and came back down so they are always going to be up there in and around the top.

“They are always going to be a tough teams. It’s a big game, there is no other way to look at it.”

“As a centre [clean sheets] are one of the most important things especially winning games as well.

“It is always good to get the group solid and hard to beat which I think the new manager has done.”

Asked about life under the new boss Buckingham Moore admitted there hasn’t been a massive shift in how things are being run in the dressing room and on the training pitch.

Moore said: “I wouldn’t say it's changed much.

“The gaffer has come in and put his own stamp on things but it’s about doing what we have been doing to get into the position that we are in and then adding little bits as we go along and I think he is doing that well.”

United suffered a double injury blow against Grimsby Town in the Emirates FA Cup last weekend as both Marcus Browne and Kyle Edwards were ruled out until the new year.

Browne came on as a substitute but lasted just 12 minutes upon his return from a hamstring injury that has kept him out of the squad since August.

Moore said: “It has been tough for the group and especially the lads that are injured.

“Brown what he has been through to go out again. I just hope he gets his head down, works hard as he always does and hopefully we will see him on the pitch soon.”

Next weekend sees Oxford United travel to Select Car Leasing Stadium to face Reading, as the Royals look to climb out of the relegation places.

However, Moore claimed the fixture has not been mentioned ahead of this afternoon’s clash with Peterborough.

He said: “It’s not been mentioned in-house because the main focus is Peterborough. Let's get through today and we can talk about Reading.

“I know from being here and around Oxford it’s a big game but the focus is on today and then we will about Reading next week.”