Early team new from the U's
- Oxford United look to keep the momentum going at Mansfield
- Midfield duo earn praise
- Ruffels and Morris doubts but Jakubiak stands by for debut
Oxford United look to build on Tuesday night’s Capital One Cup success as they head for Mansfield Town in Sky Bet League 2 on Saturday.
Danny Hylton’s dramatic late winner sent United through to an away tie at West Bromwich Albion in the next round and Head Coach Michael Appleton is looking for his side to carry on where they left off:
“We did well on Tuesday against a good Bristol City side” he told Yellow Player earlier today. “Mansfield will be a very different challenge but we know what to expect and have done OK in the first week. Defensively we look sound so far and the top two, Danny Hylton and Carlton Morris, have both got off the mark now which is important.”
Midfield duo Jon Meades and Michael Collins drew particular praise from Appleton after their displays at Ashton Gate:
“They have a big role in the side and how we set up. They shield the defence and they both link play very well. I thought they were excellent on Tuesday night and with Josh Ruffels doing well in the first game and Andy Whing working hard to get fit again we will have competition in that area this season.”
Ruffels, who limped off on Tuesday with a dead leg, is a doubt for Saturday’s game, as is Morris with a similar knock, but Michael Raynes could return to the squad after a neck injury and young striker Alex Jakubiak is included for the first time since signing on a six-month loan from Watford.
See Michael Appleton’s pre-match thoughts in Yellow Player where we also have a full 12 minute Preview Show featuring Alex Jakubiak, Alfie Potter and Andy Whing.
A reminder to the Yellow Army following the U's to Mansfield. This game is ALL TICKET with none available on the day of the match. Call 01865 337533 or visit www.oufctickets.co.uk to book your place