OXFORD United face a defining week ahead – and we will be supporting them every step of the way.

This Friday, the Oxford Mail will turn yellow to mark the first leg of the U’s Sky Bet League One play-off semi-final against Portsmouth.

We will be dedicating several pages of coverage to the game at Fratton Park, which is followed by the return fixture at the Kassam Stadium next Monday.

If they overcome the south coast side, Karl Robinson’s men will contest a Wembley showpiece – behind closed doors due to lockdown restrictions – against either Wycombe Wanderers or Fleetwood Town on Monday, July 13.

Win that and they will reach the Championship for the first time since 1999.

The build-up has already begun and will continue in these pages over the coming days as United look to make history.

But we need your help.

We know how much United mean to so many people and want you to tell us how you are showing your support.

Have you bought a cut-out of yourself or a loved one that will ‘watch’ the second leg?

Or are you decking your house out in yellow and blue to mark the occasion?

Maybe you are part of a family of die-hard U’s who will get together - observing social distancing guidelines, of course - for the first time in several months for Friday’s game.

You could even be one of the unsung heroes who have contributed to a memorable season – if so, please get in touch.

In normal circumstances, an army of yellows would be travelling down to Portsmouth on Friday, before a packed Kassam Stadium roars United on three days later.

But with no spectators allowed, we know how difficult it will be for thousands of supporters who will be forced to watch from afar.

Many U’s fans travel up and down the country, rarely missing a game.

If you are one of those loyal followers, we want to hear from you.

Playing games behind closed doors is even more agonising if you are on a run of 50, 100 or even 500 interrupted matches – if this is you, then we would love to hear your story.

Looking on the bright side, Friday’s game ends a break from football unprecedented in peacetime.

Almost four months have passed since Josh Ruffels headed home an 88th-minute winner at Shrewsbury Town to book United’s place in the play-offs, not that anyone knew it then.

We would love to know what you have missed most about football.

Is it the pre-match pint with friends and family?

The roar that greets a goal?

Or even just the visit to the chip shop after the game?

There will be so many stories to share, which illustrate how much United mean to you.

So please get in touch and tell us how you will be marking a potentially momentous week for the U’s.

Go to oxfordmail.co.uk/send-us-your-news/ or email sportsdesk@oxfordmail.co.uk.