It is a stressful time of year for many sets of fans, up and down the country. For Peterborough and Oxford United fans, it is for the right reasons, as they seek promotion to England’s second tier. Oxford United edged the first leg by 1 goal, as captain Elliot Moore headed home in front of a sell out Kassam Stadium.
The yellows benefitted hugely from an incredible, passionate home crowd, Peterborough – trailing – will likely experience the same tonight. They can probably be considered as the favourites: score the first goal and they’ve got huge momentum to carry forwards. On the other hand, if United score the first goal – the home fans get worried, restless and there really is a mountain to climb for Peterborough United.
Battles between these two teams have all favoured the home teams this season. Peterborough brushed aside Oxford with a 3-0 home win back in the winter months, when Des Buckingham was relatively new in the Oxford job, it was a long way before he had the team playing in his specific style that they have been doing recently. Fast forward to April, just a few weeks ago, 4th placed Peterborough travelled to the Kassam with Oxford narrowly outside of the playoff places and got brutally annihilated. The atmosphere was simply immense and Oxford won 5-0, they couldn’t cope with Oxford’s pressing and rapid wingers. Did they learn from the 5-0? Not sure, as they failed to score in the playoff first leg.
It truly is unpredictable, the tie can go in any direction and likely will go in several. If last night, between Bolton and Barnsley, is anything to go by, it will be a cracker – and a game that should not be missed by neutrals. There is so much riding on it…