The Rams are looking to secure a play-off spot in the Championship this season and are currently eighth, five points away from sixth-placed Hull City after losing to Southampton last time out.

Oxford travel to Pride Park looking for crucial points which would boost their hopes of survival with just four games of the season remaining having beaten Watford last weekend.

Oxford United celebrate Myles Peart-Harris’ goal against Watford (Image: Jason Dawson)

Currently 22nd and two points from safety, the U’s need to avoid defeat in the East Midlands against Eustace’s Derby who are feeling the pressure.

“There’s some pressure,” the 46-year-old told Rams TV.

“We always take each game as it comes. We prepare properly for every game that we play in the Championship – and this won’t be any different.

READ MORE: Derby County lose key star for Oxford United clash

READ MORE: Oxford United player of the season: who should win?

READ MORE: Brentford loan ace becoming key figure for Oxford United

Derby County manager John Eustace celebrates (Image: Mike Egerton/PA Wire)

“We’ve got obviously our aims where we want to get to – and Saturday’s game is the biggest game of the season. It’s a game that we’re looking forward to.

“It’s a difficult Championship game, and we will have to bring a fight and desire to it.”

The Rams’ form has fluctuated in recent weeks as they have faced teams at both the top and bottom of the table.

Eustace also confirmed that EFL Championship Young Player of the Season nominee Bobby Clark will miss the U’s clash with an injury that is set to see him miss the rest of the regular season.

The U’s travel to the East Midlands in search of crucial points in the fight for relegation and face a Derby side who are looking to force their way into the Championship play-offs in the final four games of the season.

Matt Bloomfield’s Yellows are currently 22nd in the league and two points from safety and have only been beaten once in the last eight matches.

The Rams, on the other hand, are in topsy-turvy form ahead of the late run-in and were beaten 2-1 by high-flying Southampton in their most recent fixture.

In that defeat, Championship Young Player of the Season nominee Bobby Clark picked up a hamstring strain and is set to miss the U’s test as well as all remaining games of the regular Championship season.

Derby head coach John Eustace confirmed: “Bobby’s not as bad as what we initially thought, which is fantastic news for him but unfortunately he’s going to be missing for three to four weeks.

“He’s had a bit of bad luck there at the end, but overall he’s had a fantastic season. He’s an absolute credit to work with and a top lad.”

Derby County’s Bobby Clark (left) and Ipswich Town’s Jack Clarke battle for the ball (Image: Bruce Rollinson/PA Wire)

On loan from Red Bull Salzburg, Clark has played 41 times for the Rams, scoring three times and assisting four.

There is potential for the 21-year-old to return for the play-off semi-finals should Derby achieve their aims in the final few fixtures.

Eustace also expanded on injuries elsewhere: “Lewis Travis and Carlton Morris weren’t on the grass today, so we’ll have to see what happens.

“But if they’re not available, then we’ve got players who are raring to go, so we’ll step up and give 100%.”

Stan Mills scores against Derby County in Oxford United’s first win of the season (Image: Mike Allen)

Left back Derry Murkin and goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterström are both doubts and will be ‘touch and go’ for the U’s game.

Eustace continued: ““We’ll have to wait and see on Jakey. He’s making huge progress, which we’re all very pleased with, it might be a bit early, possibly, for him to get a couple of games in, but let’s just wait and see.

READ MORE: Oxford United player of the season: who should win?

READ MORE: Oxford United rivals set for hearing over points deduction

READ MORE: Brentford loan ace becoming key figure for Oxford United

“It’d be great if we could get a couple of appearances before the end of the season.”

Max Johnston has returned after featuring for an hour against Saints.

Striker Patrick Agyemang remains out in the long run after an Achilles tendon injury earlier this month, with the United States international missing his home World Cup this summer.

The U’s have had a tough season, a poor start seeing them now in the midst of a relegation with four Championship matches remaining.

Matt Bloomfield’s men are currently two points from safety but have only suffered one defeat in their last eight games with a 2-0 win over Watford last time out.

The Yellows have utilised a large squad this campaign under two managers and the Oxford Mail has taken a look at who the standout performers and who deserves the end of season accolade.

Jack Currie

In his first season as a first-choice Championship left back, Currie has proved his worth at this level with 34 appearances in all competitions.

Oxford United left back Jack Currie (Image: Jason Dawson)

The 24-year-old enjoyed a successful loan spell at Leyton Orient last season and has transitioned into the second tier with ease.

Currie has offered a great combination of defensive solidity and attacking balance, his left foot allowing the likes of Myles Peart-Harris ahead of him to cut inside.

He has managed one assist but tops the charts for tackles (3.3) and interceptions (1.9) per 90 in the Oxford squad.

Stan Mills

Playing 42 times for the U’s this season, there have only been three games where Mills has not featured.

The winger was not a first choice name on many occasions under previous head coach Gary Rowett, but the 24-year-old has always been positive and consistent in his displays.

Stan Mills goal (Image: Michael Allen)

Under Bloomfield, Mills has shown himself to be a consistently impressive Championship winger, direct and always a problem for his opposing number.

His three goals in the league this season have all contributed to important wins over Derby County, Southampton, and most recently West Bromwich Albion.

Will Lankshear

A huge hit with the U’s faithful, the 20-year-old has been a sterling addition, contributing 10 goals in all competitions as the club’s top scorer.

READ MORE: Oxford United rivals set for hearing over points deduction

READ MORE: Brentford loan ace becoming key figure for Oxford United

READ MORE: Mark Harris honest assessment after Oxford win over Watford

Turning down other loan offers in January, Lankshear opted to see out the season in OX4 and without his goals Oxford could very well have seen themselves already relegated.

Will Lankshear celebrates tapping in Oxford United’s second goal against Preston (Image: Oxford United)

The Spurs loanee has cemented himself as the first choice striker over the course of the season, demonstrating a natural instinct for goal that has seen him tipped for the top of the game.

An honourable mention goes to summer signing Brian De Keersmaecker who was exemplary before his injury and operation in February and still remains top of statistic such as assists (5) and chances created (37) in the U’s squad despite being out for two months.

Sam Long has also proved his doubters wrong yet again, becoming a crucial part of the recently successful back four and demonstrated his outstanding versatility, leadership, and reliability,

Oxford United reporter Malachi Obrey’s pick: Stan Mills.