MICHAEL Appleton is looking forward to his first experience of an Oxford-Swindon clash, but has made it clear the priority is on ensuring it is a fixture in Sky Bet League One next season.

After taking charge of Portsmouth against Southampton and Blackburn versus Burnley, the U’s head coach fully appreciates what derbies mean to supporters.

It will be shown in the side he picks tonight, which will show fewer changes than if United had been paired against anyone else in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.

But Appleton does not intend it to be a distraction from the mission of winning promotion – and will be fuming if anyone loses their cool and collects a suspension.

“I’d be more than livid,” he said.

“If we were having a conversation after the game and I’ve had a couple of men sent off you’ll need your bleeping machine.

“That would be my frame of mind because – and I don’t apologise for this – I keep talking about the bigger picture.

“We’ll be ready to win the game, or give it as best as we can to try and get through and we know it’s a big game.

“But ultimately we have our eye on what we know is the main goal this season.”

He added: “Both sets of fans will want to win and we’ll see what happens, but the main thing for me is trying to get out of this league and then we might get an opportunity to play them twice a year.”

The cliche is form goes out of the window in derby matches and Swindon will be hoping it is true.

While United go into the game full of confidence after successive wins on the road at York and Accrington, the Robins have collected one point from their last five games.

There is only 12 places between the clubs in the league pyramid and Appleton argued recent results mean tonight’s meeting at the Kassam Stadium is bigger for the visitors.

He said: “It’s almost a perfect game for them after a couple of results that have gone against them.

“If you are looking to get a spark into your club or the team this is the perfect game, whereas we have a bit of a feel-good factor about us at the minute.

“I’m sure the lads who play will be doing everything they can to make sure it continues.”

Regardless of the visitors’ recent struggles, Appleton is wary of the threat posed by Swindon, beaten finalists in last season’s League One play-offs.

He said: “I do respect Swindon and their qualities.

“They play some good football and were one game away from getting themselves into the Championship, so that’s the kind of side we’re going to be facing.”