OXFORD United will visit Wembley two days before facing York City there in the Blue Square Premier play-off final.
Martin Foyle and his Minstermen players made a similar trip ahead of last season’s FA Trophy final to familiarise themselves with the surroundings and the U’s will be walking around the pitch as well as looking inside the dressing rooms.
Detailing his itinerary for the week ahead, Oxford boss Chris Wilder said: “The players will have this weekend off and we’ll start preparations in earnest next week.
“There’s a Friday slot at Wembley, which we have taken up, and we’ll have a walk around and get a feel for the place. Obviously, there are some who have played there, but quite a few who haven’t.
“Then on the Saturday, we’ll train here at the Kassam Stadium and watch the FA Cup final before getting ready for Wembley.”
Like opposing manager Martin Foyle, Wilder is also hoping to take some of the pomp and ceremony away from the final, adding: “We’re not going to be in suits.
“I can’t say it’s not a special occasion because it is, but we’re not going to change anything drastically... we’re not going to go overboard with suits and a record.”
Wilder feels his side have rediscovered the confidence that saw the U’s head the table before falling away in their quest for automatic promotion during the second half of the season.
But he is also aware of the physical presence of City’s forward line, adding: “I’ve been really happy with how we’ve played lately and the players have got that bit of swagger back.
“They are really determined and they have handled the big occasions well. But at the same time we’re mindful of the threats York have.
“Their two boys at the top of the pitch, Michael Rankine and Richard Brodie, are strong and they’ve got good players all over the pitch. We’ve had two tough games against them this season.”
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