We are giving Oxford United fans the chance to share their views on the club every Thursday this season. This week, Will Tyrrell looks ahead to a crucial festive period for the club as they seek to build on a recent unbeaten run.

OXFORD United are unbeaten in their last seven games in all competitions, and have moved their way out of the relegation fight for the time being.

Karl Robinson’s men are one of only six teams to not have lost in their last five league games, those being the top three sides, Pompey and Derby.

And with the three teams above us all experiencing a loss in one of their last two games, can United use this confidence boost to take advantage of the busy festive fixture list?

With the footballing giants of the world heading to Qatar for the World Cup this winter, the English footballing spotlight will be Leagues One and Two.

It won’t be that easy unfortunately, with United’s run including second place Ipswich and third place Sheffield Wednesday.

But perhaps more importantly it involves Exeter and Wycombe, who are the two teams above Oxford, and Charlton who are one place below.

This is almost the trickiest hand United could’ve been dealt. If the form and confidence can’t continue, Robinson’s side will find themselves back down in the relegation zone.

Robinson will be eager to get the likes of Josh Murphy and Yanic Wildschut match fit in the coming weeks, in an attempt to gain the edge over the likes of Wycombe and Exeter.

Injuries have been an ever-present issue for the Yellows this campaign, with players like Marcus Browne, Sam Long and Elliott Moore all spending time on the sidelines this year. This rotation has made it tricky for both players and the manager to build a succinct starting 11 each week.

Certain players are hitting fine form in the lead up to the busy period. Lewis Bate has managed to wriggle his way back into the starting line-up.

The Leeds loanee impressed early on in the campaign, with a notable performance against Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup at the start of the season.

But over the last month or so, he has found it tricky to find 90 minutes in a game, with Cameron Brannagan and Marcus McGuane playing the two double pivot roles.

In recent weeks, Bate has been able to find more starts after impressing in training.

If United can conjure a healthy and confident squad, this festive period could be a springboard back into the play-offs. If not, United’s opponents will find themselves pulling away, leaving the Yellows to try and stay in the division.