OXFORD United have 10 games left to ensure they end the season in the Sky Bet League One play-off places.

The U’s, in seventh, are three points shy of sixth-placed Stevenage, although Steve Evans’ side boast a game in hand over United.

With Des Buckingham’s team leading the chasing pack, I had a look at their run-in, and where I think points will be won and lost between now and the end of April.

READ ALSO: Document outlines how U’s cannot stay at the Kassam Stadium

First up for the U’s is this weekend’s home clash with League One strugglers Cheltenham Town.

The Robins extended their winless streak to four matches following a 3-1 defeat at home to a resurgent Charlton Athletic in midweek.

Darrell Clarke potentially lost former United striker Matty Taylor in that game, after he went straight down the tunnel with what looked like a muscular injury when he was substituted with quarter of an hour to go.

Cheltenham are 21st in League One, four points shy of safety, with it the type of game the U’s should be winning if they are serious about finishing in the top six.

PREDICTION: 2-1 W

Witney Gazette:

The U’s then make a Tuesday night trip to automatic promotion hopefuls Bolton Wanderers for a clash being shown live on Sky Sports.

Currently second in the table, the Trotters pose arguably the toughest test for United in their final 10 games.

Ian Evatt’s side are enduring something of a blip, if it can be called that, having won three of their last nine games.

Going to the Toughsheet Community Stadium (the Reebok to me and you) and getting a result won’t be easy though.

PREDICTION: 2-1 L

A visit to Port Vale, who like Cheltenham are currently in the relegation zone, follows, and should yield three points for United.

It will hopefully be a bit more comfortable than Cheltenham though, with the Valiants at the moment without a win since a 3-0 victory at home to Blackpool on December 29.

PREDICTION: 2-0 W

The home game with Lincoln City is currently scheduled for March 23, although international call-ups will possibly see that one rearranged.

Regardless, the Imps are a team enjoying a strong 2024, having lost just once in the calendar year.

A stern challenge, but a positive result should be the aim.

PREDICTION: 1-1 D

Rounding off March is the Good Friday trip to Shrewsbury Town. The Shropshire outfit are hovering above the danger zone, and again, three points should be taken from them.

PREDICTION: 2-0 W

Fleetwood Town are the Easter Monday visitors to Grenoble Road, and with the Cod Army second from bottom in League One, it represents another huge opportunity to collect a win.

PREDICTION: 3-1 W

United’s penultimate away game sees them travel to Burton Albion, who are currently watching over their shoulder. Things are likely to get trickier, so a win would be most welcome, you’d imagine.

PREDICTION: 2-1 W

The challenge then steps up when fellow promotion hopefuls Peterborough United come to the Kassam Stadium on April 13.

After an iffy four-game losing run, the Posh are now back on track, winning their last three. Expect that form to continue between now and the end of the season.

PREDICTION: 2-2 D

The last home game of the season will probably be the most pivotal. If the U’s are still in the hunt for the play-offs, then the match against Stevenage will be massive. It’s also probably the toughest one to forecast.

PREDICTION: 0-0 D

The final day of the season will hopefully provide United a fixture against an Exeter City side already thinking about their summer holidays.

They might not be clear of trouble though. However, I’m still backing Buckingham’s boys to do the business.

PREDICTION: 2-1 W

The above results would bring the U’s 21 points, and a total for the end of the season of 78.

Buckingham has previously suggested that 75 points could be enough to reach the play-offs. Let’s see whether that proves to be the case, and where 78 might get them too.