ROB Dickie is relishing the prospect of Oxford United going toe-to-toe with a promotion contender this afternoon.
Nothing less than a victory will do for Charlton Athletic in their pursuit of automatic promotion from Sky Bet League One.
It is in contrast to the last few visitors to the Kassam Stadium, who have been in the relegation battle and would have regarded a point as a decent outcome.
Also read: Early kick-off at Oxford United is chance to put pressure on rivals – Charlton boss
AFC Wimbledon got precisely that with a 0-0 draw last Saturday, but Dickie welcomes a fixture which will see both sides setting out to attack.
He said: “I think we’ve proven against tough teams, especially in the second half of the season, that we’re better suited to them.
“With the Wimbledon game last weekend I feel we performed really well but because of the way they played it wasn’t a very open game.
“There were few chances because any team that does that is very difficult to break down.
“This will hopefully be a more open game with more chances for us.”
Dickie is one of several U’s players in a rich vein of form.
Also read: Oxford United v Charlton Athletic - pre-match stats
The centre back has come a long way since the reverse fixture at the Valley in October.
There he was substituted to avoid a second yellow card as striker Lyle Taylor caused problems.
But Dickie is unfazed about coming up against the 21-goal front man.
He said: “I didn’t really think about that, but I’d like to play well against them.
“He’s a good striker, as are most of them in this league.
“I won’t treat it any differently, but I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
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