ROB Dickie knows exactly what to expect when Oxford United attempt to complete a busy week on a high with victory at Lincoln City.

The centre back spent half a season with the Imps on loan before signing for the U’s in 2018.

It gave him a good idea of the approach instilled by the management team of Danny and Nicky Cowley.

And while the highly-rated pair have moved on to Huddersfield Town, caretaker boss Jamie McCombe was also part of the coaching staff during Dickie’s tenure.

He said: “The Cowleys were so competitive and just wanted winners in the club.

“Although they’ve recently left I know they would have signed very competitive players with a winning mentality.

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“Jamie McCombe is taking care of them for now and he worked very closely with them.

“I’m sure he’ll be using the same messages they were. I know they will be on it and it will be a very competitive team.

“They like to use their fans as the 12th man and their set pieces are definitely a threat we’ll look at.

“It will be a very difficult task for us, but one we’re definitely up to.”

Former U’s boss Michael Appleton remains the overwhelming favourite to take over, but McCombe said yesterday he was expecting to be in charge for tomorrow’s clash.

Dickie has been one of United’s best performers this season.

But their 17th place in the Sky Bet League One table means the 23-year-old cannot take much pleasure.

He said: “I don’t think I’ll ever be satisfied.

“I’m happy with how it started, but I’m not happy with the results.

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“I think we have a team that should be pushing up the other end of the table and hopefully we can start doing that on Saturday.

“We won last weekend and drew in the week, so if we win it will be a really good week and get us some momentum.”

Lincoln started their return to Sky Bet League One in fine form, but one win from their last six games has stalled progress.

United would move to within a point of their hosts if they can claim a first away success of the campaign.

And after a goalless draw at Bolton Wanderers on Tuesday, the visitors will be hungry to deliver.

Dickie said: “You can go into games sometimes feeling too comfortable if you’re on the back of two good results.

“We take things from every game into the next one to make us stronger.”