While Chris Wilder goes to his former club with the Cobblers' play-off hopes still just about alive, home boss Michael Appleton is looking ahead to next season after a frustrating campaign.
Speaking after the goalless draw at AFC Wimbledon on Saturday, Appleton said: "This was an opportunity for players to stake a claim for next season because there is no doubt about it there are going to be hopefully three or four quality additions to what we have already got."
Oxford currently lie 16th in League Two, 12 points above the drop zone and 6 behind Northampton.
Danny Hylton has provided their main goal threat, scoring 13 times in the league including a double in the reverse fixture at Sixfields.