Both the Hoops and the Stones have been in exceptional form in recent weeks, teeing the match up for a drama packed 90 minutes.

City find their feet again

Oxford made it four wins from five games after goals from Nana Owusu and Harvey Bradbury sealed a 2-0 win against Hemel Hempstead in their last National League South fixture. This revitalised form exemplifies a solid recovery from the January rut which saw the Hoops grab only seven points from a possible fifteen.

Caretaker duo Andy Ballard and Ross Jenkins are yet to name an unchanged starting XI since taking charge, a trend which is evidently reaping its benefits.

The Stones in top form 

Outstanding performances from Maidstone has put them in the thick of the title race in Vanarama National League South. An incredible thirteen-game unbeaten run began back in November 2021 and has seen the Stones shoot up the table after a shaky October/November period.

A solid run of four wins in their last four has shown they are a force to be reckoned with. However, the Stones crashed out of the Kent Senior Cup as Tonbridge Angels held on for a 1-0 victory in the trophy, after manager Hakan Hayrettin named a much-changed side for the fixture.

Head-to-Head

• Oxford City 1-3 Maidstone United (4^th September 2021)
• Maidstone United 1-0 Oxford City (25^th January 2020)
• Oxford City 1-4 Maidstone United (7^th December 2019)
• Oxford City 2-3 Maidstone United (8^th March 2016)
• Maidstone United 0-1 Oxford City (15^th August 2015)

Last time out, Maidstone United triumphed as goals from Roarie Deacon, Joan Luque and Regan Booty consigned City to their first defeat of the season. Josh Ashby grabbed a consolation goal in added time at the Velocity stadium.

Ones to watch

Zac McEachran

McEachran’s (pictured below left) dancing feet has given the opposition nightmares in recent weeks. Despite not recording many direct assists, his goal involvement and chance creation has been central in the Hoops promotion challenge. Of which saw him featured in the NLS Team of the Week after his performance against Hemel Hempstead

Jack Barham

The Stones' second top scorer (pictured below right) this season increased his tally by three as he scored a hat-trick against Eastbourne Borough in their 3-2 win in Maidstone's last National League South fixture. The achievement was rewarded as he lined up next to McEachran in the NLS team of the week.

C’mon you Hoops!

A City win at the Gallagher Stadium would narrow the gap to a single point between the two sides at the top of the table. Can the boys in blue and white put an end to their hosts' unbeaten run this Saturday?