By Chris Woodside
Oxford face tough a task at home as league leaders Sheffield United are in town looking for a win at a critical time in the season.
The home side will be looking to produce a shock upset and avenge their defeat at the weekend. After a 2-0 defeat to Bristol Rovers at home The U’s still have key players missing.
Kane Hemmings, Chris Maguire, Rob Hall and Curtis Nelson are all still recovering from small knocks that kept them out of that disappointing defeat. Hemmings only suffered a dead leg and should be back for section, however the others are all 50/50.
In their absence, forwards Conor McAleny and Toni Martinez will look to continue on the start sheet with Liam Sercombe and Marvin Johnson out wide.
Oxford will be looking for a win in a bid to climb up the table and push for promotion at this stage of the season.
The away side will be looking to win to continue their reign at the top of the table. However, The Blades could be without veteran striker James Hanson after picking up a knock in the 3-3 draw away to Rochdale.
If the forwards is ready to play then Sheffield United’s manager Chris Wilder could field an unchanged side from the weekend.
Speaking to Blades Player TV ahead of the match, Blades Assistant Manager Alan Knill said: “We have a strong squad, whatever is thrown in front of us we can deal with!” If Sheffield United manage a win, the away side will look to push further on in their bid for automatic promotion.
Also speaking to Blades Player TV, Blades defender Chris Basham spoke on the positivity surrounding the club: “We are all confident, we are top of the league and everyone is playing out of their skin.”
The match will kick off at the Kassam Stadium and kick off at 7:45pm.