Oxford United’s first team coach Andy Melville believes fans could be in store for a treat at Tuesday’s FA Cup Third Round replay with Charlton Athletic.
The League Two side held their Championship opponents to a 2-2 draw at the Valley in the first leg last week, after taking a two goal lead in the first half.
Chris Powell’s men turned things around after the break, but with home advantage at the Kassam Stadium in the replay, and on the back of a morale-boosting win over local rivals Wycombe Wanderers at the weekend, Melville believes Oxford have a good chance.
Oxford Utd v Charlton Athletic
The FA Cup with Budweiser
Third Round Proper replay
7.45pm, Tuesday 21 January
Kassam Stadium
Winners receive £67,500
"We have momentum after the weekend so the game comes at a perfect time for us,” said the former Wales international, who also spent three years as a player with Oxford.
"Charlton lost at the weekend so they're going to be right up for it - they need a victory so I'm sure they'll put out as strong a side as they can and it’s a game we’re looking forward to.”
Melville knows what to expect from Charlton though, after both sides struggled to come to terms with the pitch at the Valley, where no fewer than three games have been postponed in recent weeks.
"In the first half, I thought we played the conditions a little bit better than Charlton and got into a strong lead,” he told OUFC.co.uk Player.
Watch the goals from the first tie at the Valley.
"But they came back out and asked a few questions of us, got themselves back into the tie and we're now all looking forward to the replay – where both sides will be looking to get the ball down and play.”
Oxford United will be without experienced striker Dave Kitson who is still recovering from injury, whilst Saturday’s match-winner Nicky Wroe is on loan from Preston North End and hasn’t been given permission to feature in The FA Cup.
The winners will travel to face Huddersfield Town in the Fourth Round Proper on Saturday.
