HARD work is the only way Oxford United will get out of their rut when they visit Peterborough United this afternoon, according to Christian Ribeiro.

A run of three straight defeats is the club’s worst since August 2014 and they now face a Posh side who look set to become promotion contenders.

Ribeiro has been a spectator for the setbacks against Blackpool, Walsall and Bury, but is fit again after a knee problem.

The experienced right back knows whoever plays cannot afford to be distracted by the last fortnight, especially against a side as dangerous as Peterborough.

“We have to put that to bed now,” Ribeiro said.

“We’re going to what I deem are probably the best team on their day in this league, so it doesn’t get any easier.

“The last ten days we’ve had a few losses – we can’t dwell on that.

“The biggest thing that wins you games is hard work and effort.

“I know the lads give that and we just have to keep matching teams for work rate, then your ability will shine through.”

He added: “It’s only us that can change it – there are no new players or staff coming in.

“Everyone has to focus on themselves and getting the best out of each other because it’s going to be a big game, it really is.”

The gap between the sides in the table will have many outsiders thinking a home win is a formality.

The visitors to London Road this afternoon have slipped from eighth to 15th, while Posh lie third in Sky Bet League One.

Ribeiro, though, believes it could actually work in United’s favour.

Clotet’s side have struggled in recent games against sides who have tweaked their styles to combat United, but it could be different today.

Grant McCann spoke this week about only focusing on what his side can produce and Ribeiro reckons it will mean a change in emphasis.

He said: “It’s quite evident a lot of teams are changing the way they play against us, because we have good players.

“It’s a compliment to have that, but that means we have to improve our standard.

“I always try to look on the positive side and this may be a slightly different game.

“We’re playing a team who are probably more likely to play their system, rather than worry too much about our own.”