This game should interest me far more than it does since Oxford is actually my old home town. But strictly speaking, this game should be titled Oxford Utd vs Aston Villa XI, meaning who knows what sort of side Villa will send down to the Kassam. MON had apparently promised a decent strength side, but with the heroics of 4 games in a little over a week in Spain, including the extra-time final, I doubt he’ll be sending too many seniors along.

However, there are three senior players who have yet to get on the pitch this summer; Gabby Agbonlahor, James Milner & Craig Gardner. If these three aren’t involved then it only leaves the Fiorentina game at Villa Park next Saturday to get some action. Personally, I think they need to play.

It pains me a little to say this, but Oxford are a Conference side these days. In my primary school days they spent a few seasons in the old First Division and even won the Milk Cup. Ironically, it was Villa they beat in the semi-final to get to Wembley. They would have earned a place in the UEFA Cup if it hadn’t been for the European ban on English clubs. More irony; during this period at my school nearly all the kids were either Oxford fans or Liverpool fans. If it wasn’t for the fact that we were all 7 or 8 years old this could have been a cause for major conflict!!

Sadly Oxford were relegated and slipped down the leagues fast. All the blue & yellow bags, hats, scarves, gloves, etc. all slipped from existence even faster. OK, we were glory hunting fans, but come on, we were 8 years old!!

Oddly enough, I almost posted something about Oxford Utd before this fixture was announced as I had spotted something interesting. It wasn’t so long ago that the more superficial among us were rather happy about Nike supplying our kit and yes, I include myself among that group. Well, apparently Nike are looking to expand their brand by getting right down to grass roots. Look who is now supplying Oxford Utd with shirts;-

I guess we’re not so special after all.

Despite the success of my first live blog during the Peace Cup Final, and thanks for everyone that followed the commentary by the way, I won’t be repeating it for this game. I’m not sure what media will be available for those who are not travelling, but I do know that BBC Radio Oxford have live commentary. Kick off is at 7.45pm.

EDIT: The squad has now been announced:-

Elliot Parish, Chris Herd, Daniel Devine, Shane Lowry, Tomos Roberts, Daniel Bradley, Dominik Hofbauer, Gary Gardner, Andras Stieber, James Collins, Adam McGurk. Substitutes: Richard Blythe, Ben Siegrist, Jason Lampkin, Jack Dyer, Kofi Poyser, Samir Carruthers, Durell Berry, William Grocott, Ryan Simmonds.

Both Herd & Lowry got on the pitch during the world cup and Parish was on the bench. Gardner, Hofbauer and Collins were the trio flown out to Spain for the final. Very interesting to note that the England Under-21 threesome are not going.