OXFORD boss Michael Appleton is not getting carried away with Town’s slump in form as he looks to provide sweet derby success for his side’s fans.

Swindon are rated as a long-shot to win the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy encounter by the bookies.

The form guide perhaps serves as an illustration why. Town have not won in five games, whereas Oxford are unbeaten in four.

Swindon boss Mark Cooper is also hampered by the loss of eight first team players to a combination of injury, international duty and personal issues.

Appleton has no such concerns, with the only matter for him to contend with selection-wise being the absence of striker Danny Hylton to suspension.

It is rare for a side from a lower league to go into a cup game as favourites, but as such the Kassam chief has had to attempt to quell claims that his team are in for an easy ride.

“I do respect Swindon and their qualities, there’s no doubt about that,” he said.

“They play some good football and were one game away from getting themselves into the Championship, so that’s the kind of side we’re going to be facing.

“They are the biggest rivals and that’s another thing.

“Both sets of fans will want to win and we’ll see what happens. For me, it is trying to get out of this league and then we might get an opportunity to play them twice a year.”

Echoing the statement made by opposite number Cooper, Appleton believes the derby factor could be used by Town to motivate their players.

“It’s almost a perfect game for them after a couple of results that have gone against them,” he added.

“If you are looking to get a spark into your club or the team this is the perfect game.

“Whereas we have a bit of a feelgood factor about us at the minute, we’re playing quite well and winning games. We want to continue that.”