TRAINING was cut back at Oxford United this week to give the players a breather – and given what lies ahead, they will need it.

Competing on three fronts beyond the halfway stage of the season is a superb achievement for Michael Appleton’s men, particularly when they have managed it two years running.

But it does bring complications in the form of fixture congestion.

For example, there is the not especially far-fetched scenario next week where the U’s beat Bradford City in the Checkatrade Trophy and draw with Newcastle United in the Emirates FA Cup.

If that happened, United, who visit Rochdale in Sky Bet League One tomorrow, would be playing on eight of the next nine Tuesdays.

It may be a good problem to have, but it is a problem all the same for the head coach.

“We have certainly tapered the training so the players who have played a lot of games are more prepared come the weekend,” Appleton said.

“There could be a bit of carnage between now and the end of the season.

“You just have to manage it as best you can and try to keep players fit and in a position where they stay as healthy as possible.”

The hectic run begins with arguably the biggest few days of the season to date.

A trip to high-flying Rochdale is followed by the clash with Bradford on Tuesday, where a victory would put United 90 minutes away from the final at Wembley.

It is rounded off by a sell-out for the visit of Newcastle in the FA Cup fourth round.

Appleton said: “Potentially it could be very good, or it could be an absolute disaster.

“There’s no point hiding away from it – there’s a big week ahead of us.

“The league is our bread and butter, that’s where I want us to keep testing ourselves.

“We’ve made a solid start to our life in League One and we want to try to improve on that if we can.

“The only way you do that is by going to sides like Rochdale and trying to get a result against them.”

Only Fleetwood Town have lower average attendances in League One than Dale, but under manager Keith Hill they have consistently punched above their weight.

After finishing eighth and tenth in the last two seasons, they go into tomorrow’s game in fifth place – well above teams with much deeper pockets.

Appleton said: “I have the utmost respect for what Hilly and Beechy (assistant manager Chris Beech) do.

“They have a side at the minute who seem to have the balance right.

“(Given) the success they’ve had on relatively limited budgets compared to some of the big boys who are up there, they deserve all the credit.”