Edgar Davids believes that Oxford United can beat anyone on their day and that they should be higher up the Npower League Two table.
The Us currently sit 10th on 52 points but the Dutchman does not feel this accurately represents the quality they possess.
Speaking ahead of Tuesday’s trip to the Kassam Stadium Davids stated that Barnet will need to be at their best against a side who he believes have not fulfilled their potential.
“They can play at a higher level if they want to and that is the problem with Oxford because they have the potential to play anyone off the park.
“You have to be careful because I believe where they stand now in the Npower League Two is far below their potential.”
The Bees bounced back from last week’s disappointing 2-1 defeat at Plymouth Argyle in sensational fashion and the 4-1 win against Morecambe delighted the head-coach.
“I was very pleased. We bounced back from the defeat last weekend and it shows how far we have come to when we played them four months ago.
“We lost via a combination of our own errors and our own play but on Saturday there was only one team playing.”
Davids also admitted it will be a tough match to win considering Oxford’s quality, home advantage and recent record against the Bees.
“In the FA Cup Oxford United really outplayed us and I was really impressed by the way they performed.
“When we played them in the League we outplayed them but away from home they are a hard team to beat because they have some excellent players.”
The Bees have never beaten United in eight encounters but Davids is hoping the large pitch at the Kassam Stadium works to their advantage.
“Of course (it will suit the way we play) but also for them because they play good football and they always make the right decisions.
“Like I said before I was very impressed when we faced them earlier in the season but we will go there and make the best of it.”
They will also have to secure victory without John Oster and possibly Jake Hyde who will face a late fitness test, Davids was however pleased the contribution of loanee Ross Jenkins.
“I think it is probably too soon but I would never say no. Jake Hyde will have a fitness test and could return and John Oster has a difficult injury but could be back next weekend.
“He is poised on the ball and I was very happy with Ross’ debut, we have a rotating midfield which makes you very unpredictable.”
46 points saw Barnet avoid relegation last season but with 10 games remaining and bottom side Plymouth already on 36 a much higher tally will be required to ensure safety this time around.
“I am not sure, last year we had around 46 points but everyone is picking up points and it is very close so we need to be on our toes.
“I think maybe 50 or 51 could mean you are safe but you never know in this league, we just need to make sure we are above the line at the end of the season.”
