Manager Chris Wilder has sounded a warning to his Oxford United players not to take a win against Rushden on Boxing Day for granted.

The Northamptonshire side are eighth in the Blue Square Premier, but, similar to clubs like Kidderminster and Crawley, have proved they can beat anyone on their day.

Wilder expects Justin Edinburgh’s outfit to be a tough proposition in front of a crowd approaching 10,000 at the Kassam Stadium.

“Justin’s had a great career and knows the game,” said United’s manager. “He wants to play football. So they’ll come and want to win the game, I don’t think they’ll set themselves up to be defensive.”

He added: “Rushden have got good attacking players, like Craig (Farrell), who we had last year. He did great for me while he was here.

“Lee Tomlin’s a good player and their best 11 are very good.

“They’ve had some good results – they won at Luton. They’re a team that I thought would go well this year with the players that they’ve signed and I’m not surprised they’re where they are. Theywill be looking to get in amongst the play-offs.”

Although Wilder wants the U’s to put on a show, he recognises the result is more important.

“The club have worked very hard yet again in promoting the game and the league position we’re in is because of the players,” said Wilder modestly, playing down the part he has played in the team’s outstanding first half of the season.

“The fans’ support is excellent, and has been since I’ve been here, and we want to reward the home support with a win – and I think any Oxford United supporter would take a victory.”

With Damian Batt fit again, Adam Chapman could take over from the suspended Adam Murray in midfield.

Wilder is spoilt for choice on the right side of attack with Alfie Potter and Jack Midson joined by Franny Green and fit-again Matt Green.

Farrell will probably start alongside Aaron O’Connor, the Northamptonshire side’s joint scorer with nine goals.

Rushden won seven games in a row, only to lose their next three, including a narrow 3-2 FA Cup loss at Brighton.

They will be without winger Neil Cousins (cruciate knee ligaments).

Along with strikers Farrell and Jefferson Louis, defender Mickey Corcoran also used to play for United.

Edinburgh said: “We’ve set the challenge – to be the first to win at Oxford, and we’ve won at Luton, so there’s no reason not to be confident.”

Oxford Utd: (from) Clarke, Batt, Foster, Creighton, Sandwith, Chapman, Bulman, Clist, Potter, Constable, Sodje, Turley, Midson, M Green, F Green, Cook, Day, Perry, Deering.

Rushden & Diamonds: (from) Roberts, Corcoran, Osano, Stuart, Robinson, Tomlin, Porter, Terry, Byrne, O’Connor, Farrell, Akurang, Louis, Pattison, Day, Ainsley.