CHEY Dunkley is ready for a physical battle against AFC Wimbledon – but says Oxford United’s focus will be on how they can inflict damage on their hosts.

The centre back admits October’s 3-1 defeat to the Dons at the Kassam Stadium, broadcast live on Sky Sports, was a “kick in the face”.

United felt several key decisions went against them on the day, but it did not excuse a poor first-half display where the visitors raced into a 3-0 lead.

A direct approach is expected again from Neal Ardley’s side at Kingsmeadow this afternoon.

Dunkley knows it will mean he faces lots of work, but pointed out United’s chances of a fourth successive away win rely on taking the game to their opponents.

He said: “We lost 3-1 at home – it was kind of a kick in the face.

“We know what they’re about and credit to them, it’s effective.

“It is challenging to defend against if there are so many balls going into your box, because all it takes is a little ricochet or a second ball to drop in their favour.

“We’ll be well prepared.

“It’s a tight pitch and we will try to impose our style of play on them as well.

“It’s not all about them, we have players in our dressing room who can cause problems.”

United go into the game in their best form of the season.

Wins over Rotherham United in the Emirates FA Cup and in a Checkatrade Trophy tie against Scunthorpe United stretched the run to just one defeat in 13 games.

Michael Appleton’s men have also won five of their last seven in all competitions, but are yet to make a sustained push into Sky Bet League One’s top half.

And Dunkley knows while cup progress is a welcome bonus, the bread and butter of league football comes first.

He said: “It is the priority.

“As much as we want to do well in cups, we want to do well in the league.”

“We will be equipped for the game, as we always are, and hopefully we can get the three points.”