Derby matches are fiery at the best of times, so throwing a potential promotion hopeful into the mix could make for a combustible atmosphere.

That is exactly the set of circumstances Wycombe Wanderers will have to deal with when they make the short trip to the Kassam Stadium to take on Oxford United tomorrow.

A Wanderers win could see Oxford fall out of the automatic promotion places and into the play-offs at the final hurdle.

Wycombe manager Gareth Ainsworth is therefore hoping his players can deal with the added pressure of spoiling the U’s day.

“We won’t approach it any differently to any other game, but we are human beings and we know what we can do if we win,” Ainsworth said.

“It is a brilliant game and I expect the boys to keep their heads. We have played in some big games in the past and we know what to expect.

“To give the fans something on the last day would be brilliant if we can, and I am sure a few Wycombe fans would love to spoil the party.”

To do so Wycombe will have to end a run of seven games without a win against an Oxford side who have scored more goals than anyone else in League Two this season.

It is a run Ainsworth is eager to end and feels his, and his players, focus is centred more on taking three points than upsetting their neighbour’s promotion hopes.

He said: “Personally I would just love to win a game of football and I want to give the fans a win in what is going to be a big game for us.

“We have not won for seven games so it is more about winning rather than beating Oxford or stopping them getting promoted.”

A 2-1 win against Oxford in December provided one of the high points of the campaign for Wanderers as Jason McCarthy headed the winner at Adams Park.

It is perhaps for this reason that Oxford boss Michael Appleton is wary of a Wanderers side he believes will be giving their all.

Appleton said: “They’re a good side and were so unlucky last season to lose in the play-off final. They would’ve had aspirations to be in the play-offs again.

“They will be hurting and have already come out and said they want to spoil the party. If I was in their position I would say exactly the same thing.”

The hosts will sweat on the fitness of top scorer and League Two Player of the Year Kemar Roofe who was back in training on Thursday after recovering from an ankle injury. His fitness will be assessed closer to kick-off.

Johnny Mullins (ankle) and Joe Skarz (groin) are also doubts, while Ryan Taylor (groin) and Jordan Evans (broken rib) are certain absentees.

Ainsworth will continue to be without a host of players as Luke O’Nien, Sam Wood, Joe Jacobson, Matt Bloomfield and Alex Lynch miss out.