Peterborough United clash is one of the biggest in my Oxford United career - Derek Fazackerley

Just one win from the last eight games has seen the U’s cushion over the Sky Bet League One relegation zone whittled away to four points.

That would be slashed again if results go against them – and Peterborough will be in the mood to pile on the pressure after climbing back into the top six with a win at Bury on Tuesday.

Fazackerley, who has been in caretaker charge during the slump, has been involved in some crunch matches since joining the coaching staff in 2014, but few have been bigger than this afternoon.

He said: “In the time I’ve been at the club there have been some big games – promotions, cup ties and area finals (in the Football League Trophy).

“This is another one for a different reason.

“Of course we need the support and encouragement of the fans to try to help us achieve what we want, which is a victory.

“It’s not a one-off cup tie, but in some respects we have to treat it like one.

“They will probably bring a good support because of the position they’re in. It should be a decent atmosphere.

“Hopefully that will inspire the players and help us achieve what we want.”

It is expected the saga to appoint a new manager will be ended before the trip to Portsmouth next weekend.

New U’s owner Sumrith Thanakarnjanasuth has indicated there may be scope for them to bring some staff with them, which could mean this is Fazackerley’s final game at the club.

But from the 66-year-old’s perspective, there is no desire to walk away.

He said: “I’ve had a fantastic career in football and if it ended tomorrow then I could look back on it and take some sort of satisfaction at some of the things I’ve achieved, the places I’ve been and the people I’ve worked with.

“Do I want to stay in the game? Of course I do.

“Though I’m at an age now where quite a lot of people think about retirement, I certainly don’t.

“I would love to carry on for another two or three years. But sometimes that’s not in your own hands.”