adminOxford City chief executive Justin Merritt has sent a confident message ahead of his side’s FA Cup first-round clash against Leicester City, with the sixth-tier club dreaming of a famous victory over the former Premier League champions.
The Hoops will host Leicester at the MGroup Stadium on the weekend of 6–9 November after Monday night’s draw paired the two sides together. With the Foxes struggling to find their feet in League One following back-to-back relegations, Oxford City believe they have an opportunity to make history.
Merritt is not prepared to write off his side’s chances, insisting that Oxford City have every reason to believe they can pull off a stunning upset against their more famous opponents.
“I am not scared of Leicester City. They shouldn’t get their hopes up. Just because they had a beautiful week doesn’t mean they should expect to beat Oxford City. We are a far better team than they are, and we will cause the biggest upset in English football.”
Merritt’s confidence comes as Oxford City prepare for one of the biggest fixtures in the club’s recent history. The chief executive wants his players to embrace the occasion rather than feel intimidated by Leicester’s history and reputation.
“You’ve got to dream and be positive,” Merritt told BBC Radio Oxford.
“For us it’s a free shot as they’re expected to go through but look at (upsets) in recent years.
“It does happen and every round there is a shock or two so why not us?”
Leicester have endured a slow start to their League One campaign, recording three wins from their opening nine matches following consecutive relegations. Oxford City, meanwhile, sit third in the National League North after winning seven of their first 11 games.
That gives the hosts confidence heading into the encounter, although Leicester will be determined to avoid an embarrassing FA Cup exit against lower-league opposition.
Merritt also highlighted the importance of hosting a club with Leicester’s profile, explaining that the fixture would be a major occasion for the players, supporters and staff.
“Getting a big side like that down here is going to be a terrific occasion,” Merritt said.
“Not just for the players but also for the fans and the staff that work here day in, day out.”
The Oxford City chief executive is also hoping the match attracts television coverage, which could provide the club with additional revenue and valuable exposure.
“We’re really looking forward to it and we really hope the TV people will look at the game as an attractive tie as that will add extra revenue plus the exposure will be absolutely brilliant,” he added.
Merritt believes Leicester could also face a different challenge at the MGroup Stadium, pointing to Oxford City’s home ground and artificial playing surface as factors that could make the contest uncomfortable for the visitors.
“Leicester have experienced a difference in level but not quite coming to play in a tight ground like ours and playing on a 3G surface,” he said.
Abdulhafiz Teslim
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