David Artell always felt that Oxford United were in a false league position when we played them earlier in the season.
Crewe Alexandra won 2-0 at the Kassam Stadium thanks to goals from Mikael Mandron and Owen Dale in November – but after Karl Robinson’s side reacted superbly by losing just one of their next 13 matches. That run also included an impressive seven straight wins in League One.
The U’s are currently 12th in the table, six points adrift of a potential play-off spot.
Artell told the club’s website: “Oxford are a very good side and Karl Robinson is a very good manager. They were in the play-off final last season and if you look at the pattern of their results last season it was the same.
“They made a slow start but then couldn't stop winning. It has been similar this season. After we beat them in November they went on a fantastic run and were the in-form side going into Christmas and the New Year.
“I said at the time that they were in a false position when we played them because I knew they were a better side than their league position suggested. They have turned it around and I thought they would.
“We have watched them a few times and they like to play the right way under Karl. His philosophy has always been to play good football and it should be another good game like it was at MK Dons.
“Oxford are a right good team and we will have to play well to get a result.”