Yellow Army can sway derby clash, says Oxford United defender Phil Edwards

The final few tickets to watch the game with Swindon Town have been sold, so a gate close to 12,000 is expected.

Edwards has been impressed with the atmosphere at United’s home games since joining on loan from Burton Albion last month.

The full back is looking forward to the volume being turned up for the derby clash and believes it could be the ace up United’s sleeve.

He said: “A few of the lads have said it’s a massive game.

“It’s a local derby, we just have to do our bit and hopefully get the three points.

“With us being at home and having the crowd behind us it will give us that push to do a little bit more.

“If we can get the crowd behind us and we’re doing well, it will be a tough afternoon for Swindon.

“Hopefully they can get us over the line.”

Edwards reached 450 career appearances last week, but his only derby experience consists of games against Morecambe while an Accrington Stanley player.

The 30-year-old is relishing the occasion tomorrow.

He said: “Up in Lancashire it was a fierce contest with tackles flying in.

“I think it was more the managers, (John) Coleman and (Jim) Bentley, they were at each other’s throats.

“A derby’s a derby, so you’ve just got to keep calm and progress into the game and not do anything stupid.”

The history of Oxford-Swindon games is littered with red cards and the U’s cashed in after the dismissal of Robins defender Jordan Turnbull on the way to a 2-0 win last season.

Stuart Attwell, whose last appointment was in the Premier League, has been put in charge in a bid to keep the game under control.

Edwards, who has never seen red, knows the importance of staying calm.

He said: “With it being a massive game there’s a tendency to overstep the mark a bit.

“It’s just about discipline and not going on for stupid tackles.

“I’ve never been sent off in my career, so touch wood it doesn’t happen on Saturday.

“It’s about keeping your cool in these situations and not getting over-excited.”