Colchester United boss Steve Whitton is hoping to bring the U's fans a double helping of Christmas cheer with six points from Division Two rivals Oxford and Millwall.

The U's play bottom of the table Oxford at Layer Road tonight (Friday), kick-off 7.45pm, before travelling to the New Den on Boxing day for a noon start against top of the table Millwall.

Victories from both matches will propel the enthusiastic U's boss slap-bang in the race for the Second Division's December Manager of the Month Award.

And Whitton says his injury-hit, but in-form squad - three wins and a draw from their previous four League outings - are really gunning for it.

"It's points that matter and we're going for all of them," said the U's chief.

"The lads have a confident belief they can win every game and achieving 30 points or more approaching the halfway stage of the season will be great.

"Looking back over the first half of the season, 30 points is a figure I would have settled for going into the New Year.

"You can start looking at the magic figures of the teams above you instead of worrying about how close all those teams below you are."

But Whitton is well aware that struggling Oxford, who picked up only their third League win of the season when beating Northampton at home last week, will be fighting for their lives like a bady hurt animal.

He said: "It's another of those games where we must be prepared to work hard and be ruthless. Oxford, like Luton last week before them, are nowhere near as bad a team as their League position would suggest.

"They have a lot of experience throughout their side and boast a couple of good goalscorers up front.

"That said, I will still be looking for my lads to capitalise on our recent unbeaten run and it will be great to go into Christmas on a winning note."

Whitton's plans were boosted by the news that Oxford's influential on-loan midfielder Keith Andrews has been recalled by Wolves.

A win tonight will send the U's squad into their Boxing Day clash at title-chasing Millwall on 30 points and in buoyant mood to see-off the current Division Two leaders. Whitton said: "I'm already looking forward to that match and I know the lads are too.

"Everything is buzzing at the New Den at the moment. They've got a good pitch and a good stadium and I know the lads will get a big lift playing there in front of what is certain to be a big crowd."

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