OXFORD United offer an example to follow for all sides in the Sky Bet League One relegation battle, according to Walsall boss Dean Keates.

A month ago the trip to the Saddlers looked like a crunch clash, but the pressure has eased on the U’s.

They have climbed from the bottom four to the top half of the table, following a run of five wins in seven games.

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It is the sort of form Walsall, who are in the drop zone on goal difference after losing their last four games, would dearly love to emulate.

Keates told the Express & Star: “Oxford were below us a few weeks ago but they have kept going and had some good results.

“It shows you how tight the division is, a couple of decent results get you up there. We can use them as an example.”

Walsall’s losing run all came against sides in the top six, where they largely performed well without picking up points.

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And Keates has called on the home fans to make the difference tomorrow.

He said: “We need them for Oxford. The Barnsley atmosphere (a 1-0 defeat in the last home game) was unbelievable. They helped the team get on the front (foot).

“All being well that will be the same case at the weekend.”