Darren Patterson is hoping Oxford United can play with the same passion and desire, and show the same level of concentration, as they did for nearly all of his first match in charge when they take on Ebbsfleet United on Saturday.

It's the Blue Square Premier team with the newest manager up against the club that will soon belong to the fans, an intriguing contest and one in which Oxford will be desperate to come out on top to start climbing up the league towards the play-off places.

Not that the U's are even thinking about promotion or the play-offs in their current mid-table position.

And Patto is ensuring the players keep their focus simply on the job in hand.

"I've mentioned to them not to focus on the 'P' word and to concentrate on one game at a time," he said.

"It's going to be a difficult game - they're three points ahead of us in the league - I've seen them play twice this season and they've got good quality going forwards, so we need to be on our toes defensively, be hard to break down, hard to beat and be very strong going forward.

"We're at home again, last week both our wingbacks scored goals, that's the first time that's happened, and we'll be stressing the importance of that again - if we play that system."

Former U's defender Paul McCarthy (pictured) is the man who often stands out in the Ebbsfleet defence - and the veteran centre half is the man Oxford will have to get past to get Patterson off to a winning start in the league.

"They've had a good season so far and obviously they've got one of our old stalwarts at the back galvanissing them - I think Mac is about 47 isn't he? He'll love me for that!

"They're a good team so we're under no illusions but we've obviously got our own game plan to combat their strengths and to exploit their weaknesses."

The game has been attracting considerable extra interest nationally following this week's news that Ebbsfleet United are the team being taken over by fans' community website MyFootballClub.

Although it will not happen tomorrow, the plan is for fans to decide on team tactics and to pick the team.

The deal is expected to be completed in a few weeks, subject to approval.

After the takeover goes through the current board will stay in place, as will manager Liam Daish, although his title will change to head coach.

Daish said that he was happy for fans to have an input on team matters.

"Picking 11 players and formations isn't a precise science and luck often plays a part," stated the Ebbsfleet boss.

"During and after matches, Ebbsfleet supporters often give me their opinion on which players should or shouldn't start games. Now they can have their say.

"My job won't change that much. As a club, we'll select the starting 11 players and formation together.

"But just as before, what goes on at the training ground and in the dressing room on the day of the match is down to me.

"It's the supporters' money that finances this club and pays my wages and those of the players.

"So there's a good argument for them having a say in what players they want to see."

Ebbsfleet were formerly Gravesend & Northfleet, but the club's name was changed in May in a bid to tap into the regeneration of the area.

They are ninth in the Blue Square Premier, three places above the U's.

Ebbsfleet's push for promotion will receive a boost as some of the funds raised by MyFootballClub members will be available in the January transfer window.

MyFootballClub members will be given the option to vote on who the club should buy.

Daish said: "We all agree we need something extra to take us to the next step.

"As a football fan, I think the MyFootballClub idea is fantastic. As the coach, I look forward to the challenge."