Table-topping Oxford look
to build a lead at the top of League Two as struggling Bristol Rovers
come to the Kassam. Rovers haven't won away from home all season and
currently find themselves just two places and one point above the
relegation zone, having endured a miserable season so far. And while
our home form isn't exactly sparkling,
we have to look at this game as a great opportunity to build on last
week's win at AFC Wimbledon.
Bristol Rovers are
currently winless in nine league games, a run which stretches back to
August, though they did earn a point against Chesterfield last
week. Injuries
have plagued the Gas this season, a problem manager John Ward has
looked to address this week by signing striker Chris Beardsley from
Preston. He looks set to go straight into the Pirates' starting XI
this weekend but who will partner him up front seems to be up for
grabs. Matt Harrold's chances of playing are rated as '50/50' while
David Clarkson is suspended after being red-carded a couple of weeks
ago.
In contrast, Oxford will
be boosted by the returns of several important players. Deane Smalley
came off the bench to play a big part last week and could start as a
result, while Dave Kitson is back from suspension following his
sending off against
Exeter. Could James Constable be dropped to the bench, despite
finding the net last weekend? Alfie Potter is also back from injury
this week after being ruled out by a hamstring problem in recent
weeks, providing a feast of attacking options after last week's
famine. Chris Wilder does have one problem position, however, after
Tom Newey picked up his fifth yellow card of the season last
Saturday. And with Jon Meades still injured it leaves us looking very
light at left-back. But with Johnny Mullins returning at centre-back
and both Jake Wright and Michael Raynes looking undroppable might we
see a return to three at the back in a 3-5-2 or 3-4-3 formation? Time
will tell.
Underestimate Bristol
Rovers at your peril. The Pirates started last season in similarly
disastrous fashion but finished the season strongly as the league's
form side – and they demonstrated how difficult they can be on
their last visit to the Kassam Stadium. Then, the tables were
reversed as an in-form Bristol Rovers arrived to face a hopelessly
out-of-form United and duly took the three points with a comfortable
2-0 victory. There are few predicting a repeat of that this time
around but League Two has been so ridiculously topsy-turvy this
season that anything could happen.
From the Vaults
Oxford United v Bristol Rovers, 10th August 2010
Oxford returned to action
in the League Cup after a four-year absence with a bang, putting six
past League One Bristol Rovers in our first home game of the season.
Simon Heslop and James Constable each netted twice, while Matt Green
and Jack Midson were also on target. Enjoy!
You can find this and many other old OUFC matches in the VIDEO VAULT!
Also This Weekend
It's not just the first
team currently topping their league. The youth team are at it too and
they're back in league action this weekend at home to Hereford United
after Wednesday's comfortable
3-0 win over Didcot in the FA Youth Cup. They've already been
beaten once by the Bulls this season, 4-2 in the League Cup, so will
be eager for the chance of revenge this time out. The match kicks off
at 11 at Roman Way so there's plenty of time to get down to the
Kassam once it's over if you fancy a full day of football.
Don't forget you can find full fixture lists for women's, development and youth teams on our Fixtures page!
Don't forget you can find full fixture lists for women's, development and youth teams on our Fixtures page!
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