IT is that time of the season where we start studying the run-ins of Oxford United and their Sky Bet League One play-off rivals.

We work out the average position of the U’s opponents (14th) and pick the must-win games.

As fun as this is, predicting results is always a minefield – especially with such differing fixture lists for each team.

Gillingham, for example, broke into the top six with a 1-0 win over Wigan Athletic on Wednesday.

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The Kent side have played four more games than Blackpool and Doncaster Rovers, in seventh and eighth, and two more than United in ninth.

But with fatigue playing a bigger role than ever before, this may not be as important as it looks.

Neil Critchley said his Blackpool side lacked sharpness in their 2-2 draw with Plymouth Argyle last Saturday and that is unlikely to change, with the Seasiders and Doncaster playing on the final four Tuesdays from April 13.

That night, United host Shrewsbury Town, whereas Gillingham get a week to prepare for what could be a crucial clash at the Kassam Stadium four days later.

You would think the U’s, Blackpool and Doncaster could all overhaul Steve Evans’ side with their games in hand.

But this is a season where you would much rather have points on the board.