Doncaster Rovers boss on Oxford United test - 'We've already shown we can impose ourselves on them'

Rovers triumphed 3-2 in the thrilling reverse fixture last month which ended Oxford’s run of nine straight wins.

They head to the Kassam Stadium tonight having failed to win in their last two and are desperate to shake of the frustration of Saturday’s goalless draw with Northampton.

“Oxford’s incredible run ended against us at the Keepmoat,” Butler said.

“It’s a mindset thing for us. We’ve imposed ourselves on an Oxford side that were on a great run that we stopped.

“Can we go there and force our play on them?

“Oxford will be no mugs. They will want to get revenge for that defeat at the Keepmoat and we have to be on our toes for that because they are a very possession-based side and an attractive side.

“But so are we.”

Rovers have often found themselves in unfamiliar circumstances when facing Oxford in recent seasons - the opposition see more of the ball than what they do.

While Butler was keeping tight-lipped on how he will approach his first meeting with Robinson’s side as manager, he is imploring his side to be impactful in possession.

“It’s how we approach the game and what the game plan is,” he said.

“I’ve seen teams drop off Oxford and cause them problems and I’ve also seen them press Oxford and cause them problems.

“It’s what game plan we set out to do against them.

“Hopefully we can make a big impact on and off the ball rather than allowing them to have all the ball.

“It’s going to be an interesting game. Karl Robinson has done a great job there and the style of play they have is very good.

“But we’ve got an identity here also and we want to impose that on them.”

Oxford have won just one of their seven matches in the league - a 2-1 win in the derby with struggling Swindon Town.

The run has slowed their play-off push and they enter tonight’s game sitting four points of sixth place in League One.

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