We look ahead to Saturday's big game
• Vassell stands by• MacDonald misses out
• Carlisle's new signings could feature
• Read all about it in the matchday magazine
TEAM NEWS
Kyle Vassell goes straight into the squad to face Carlisle after signing on loan from Peterborough yesterday. The 22-year-old forward competes with Patrick Hoban, Danny Hylton and James Roberts for the striker places but there is an enforced change out wide for the U's, where Alex MacDonald misses the game through suspension. The former Burton man misses two games for collecting ten yellow cards this season.
Callum O'Dowda played the full 90 minutes in the Republic of Ireland's 1-0 win over Andorra last night but returns to Oxford today and will be available.
Callum O'Dowda played the full 90 minutes in the Republic of Ireland's 1-0 win over Andorra last night but returns to Oxford today and will be available.
See Michael Appleton talking about the game in Yellow Player, where we also have a great Preview Show featuring Kyle Vassell, Jake Wright being interviewed by Johnny Mullins, and Manor legend Steve Biggins.
MILITARY DAY
On Saturday soldiers from the British Army will march on The Kassam stadium as Oxford United Football Club celebrate their second annual Military Day.
From midday, troops from the Army Careers Centre Oxford Recruiting Group will be situated around the ground, giving supporters the inside track, and the opportunity to experience what it’s like to be a soldier. Thrill-seeking supporters will have the chance to test their endurance levels on a challenging inflatable assault course, or try their hands at laser clay-pigeon shooting. Those looking to warm up for the game in less strenuous style will be able to join in face-painting sessions, and sit back and take in a spectacular light-gun missile display by the Royal Artillery.
THE OPPOSITION
Carlisle sit just one place and one point below the U's and they too have been active in the loan transfer market, bringing in midfielder Jeffrey Monakana from Brighton and defender David Atkinson from Middlesbrough yesterday to add to midfielders Jason Kennedy and Paul Corry, who joined earlier this month. The latter pair have ousted January signing Anthony Griffith from the side as they came in for the injured duo Antony Sweeney and Courtney Meppen-Walker. Gary Dicker is also fighting to regain his place after injury.
Blues manager Keith Curle said of the new signings: “Squad wise I know I now have a bit of flexibility and some players who can play a number of roles. In terms of availability we’re looking not too bad."
Looking ahead to tomorrow's match, Curle told the official Carlisle United web site: “It’s a big game and I’m looking forward to it. The vibe I’ve been getting from the changing room is that they’re ready for it as well. It’s a game they want to play in and we have an idea of what we can expect from Oxford.
“Our aim on Saturday will be the same as it always is,” he continued. “We go there to stop the opposition so we can earn the right to play. It’s a big pitch, but probably not the best of playing surfaces, from what we’ve seen. Right now is all about Saturday. The first hour of this game will be a toe-to-toe encounter and what we’ve been finding is that it will come down to an error as to who gets on top."
WOMEN V DURHAM
Tickets are always cheaper in advance: call 01865 337533 to book your seat or book your place at www.oufctickets.co.uk.
KIT SALE
The club shop currently has a half-price sale on home and away kits. Make sure you pay them a visit this evening.
OLLY'S DEN
Fans in the Family Area can join us in Olly's Den once again. This brand-new area, now astroturfed, features table tennis, shooting tests, player visits and giant games and is free to enter. Meet Olly and Olivia the Ox and enjoy the build up to kick-off in Olly's Den.
GETTING HERE
The Football Special buses are running as usual and offer cheap and easy transport to all league games. Click HERE for timetables and routes.
MATCHDAY MAGAZINE
MILITARY DAY
On Saturday soldiers from the British Army will march on The Kassam stadium as Oxford United Football Club celebrate their second annual Military Day.
From midday, troops from the Army Careers Centre Oxford Recruiting Group will be situated around the ground, giving supporters the inside track, and the opportunity to experience what it’s like to be a soldier. Thrill-seeking supporters will have the chance to test their endurance levels on a challenging inflatable assault course, or try their hands at laser clay-pigeon shooting. Those looking to warm up for the game in less strenuous style will be able to join in face-painting sessions, and sit back and take in a spectacular light-gun missile display by the Royal Artillery.
THE OPPOSITION
Carlisle sit just one place and one point below the U's and they too have been active in the loan transfer market, bringing in midfielder Jeffrey Monakana from Brighton and defender David Atkinson from Middlesbrough yesterday to add to midfielders Jason Kennedy and Paul Corry, who joined earlier this month. The latter pair have ousted January signing Anthony Griffith from the side as they came in for the injured duo Antony Sweeney and Courtney Meppen-Walker. Gary Dicker is also fighting to regain his place after injury.
Blues manager Keith Curle said of the new signings: “Squad wise I know I now have a bit of flexibility and some players who can play a number of roles. In terms of availability we’re looking not too bad."
Looking ahead to tomorrow's match, Curle told the official Carlisle United web site: “It’s a big game and I’m looking forward to it. The vibe I’ve been getting from the changing room is that they’re ready for it as well. It’s a game they want to play in and we have an idea of what we can expect from Oxford.
“Our aim on Saturday will be the same as it always is,” he continued. “We go there to stop the opposition so we can earn the right to play. It’s a big pitch, but probably not the best of playing surfaces, from what we’ve seen. Right now is all about Saturday. The first hour of this game will be a toe-to-toe encounter and what we’ve been finding is that it will come down to an error as to who gets on top."
WOMEN V DURHAM
The United Women side are in action again this weekend as they make their longest trip of the season to play Durham away on Sunday. Les Taylor's side won their opening game against Watford last week and have a full squad to choose from, with several players now recovered from a virus that affected preparations for the last game.
TICKETS
TICKETS
KIT SALE
The club shop currently has a half-price sale on home and away kits. Make sure you pay them a visit this evening.
OLLY'S DEN
Fans in the Family Area can join us in Olly's Den once again. This brand-new area, now astroturfed, features table tennis, shooting tests, player visits and giant games and is free to enter. Meet Olly and Olivia the Ox and enjoy the build up to kick-off in Olly's Den.
GETTING HERE
The Football Special buses are running as usual and offer cheap and easy transport to all league games. Click HERE for timetables and routes.
MATCHDAY MAGAZINE
Our award-winning match magazine features great interviews with Danny Hylton and a Military Day special chat with former soldiers Alasdair Lane and Spike Elliott. Read CEO Mark Ashton's extensive notes and there's all the usual mix of stats, history, action, editorial and competitions.
You can buy the matchday magazine for just £3 (with a copy of the day's Oxford Mail while stocks last) from sellers around the ground before the game, or download a copy from www.matchdayfix.com/oufc.
FIFTY/50
Be sure to pick up a Fifty/50 half-time draw ticket from one of our sellers around the ground. The first prize is regularly £1,000 plus so you don’t want to miss out on what could be £1 very well spent!
ALL THE ODDS
If you fancy a flutter on Saturday’s game then SKY BET is the place to visit.
Every bet you place benefits the U's and with great odds on every game why go anywhere else?
For the full range of odds available on the match click HERE.
COVERAGE
If you can’t be with us then live full match commentary is available in Yellow Player. Yellow Player is the ONLY place on the internet where you can listen to the game live, and there will also be video interviews with all the key men, plus extended highlights.
THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE
www.oufc.co.uk is the perfect place to follow all the action. The official website will have:
- An exciting match console
- A full match report the minute the final whistle is blown
- A full photo gallery of all the key moments
- The manager and key players' reactions in Yellow Player
- SMS subscribers will receive all the action straight to their mobiles.
Or follow @OUFCOfficial on Twitter for regular updates and all the action on Saturday.
USEFUL LINKS
You can buy the matchday magazine for just £3 (with a copy of the day's Oxford Mail while stocks last) from sellers around the ground before the game, or download a copy from www.matchdayfix.com/oufc.
FIFTY/50
Be sure to pick up a Fifty/50 half-time draw ticket from one of our sellers around the ground. The first prize is regularly £1,000 plus so you don’t want to miss out on what could be £1 very well spent!
ALL THE ODDS
If you fancy a flutter on Saturday’s game then SKY BET is the place to visit.
Every bet you place benefits the U's and with great odds on every game why go anywhere else?
For the full range of odds available on the match click HERE.
COVERAGE
If you can’t be with us then live full match commentary is available in Yellow Player. Yellow Player is the ONLY place on the internet where you can listen to the game live, and there will also be video interviews with all the key men, plus extended highlights.
THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE
www.oufc.co.uk is the perfect place to follow all the action. The official website will have:
- An exciting match console
- A full match report the minute the final whistle is blown
- A full photo gallery of all the key moments
- The manager and key players' reactions in Yellow Player
- SMS subscribers will receive all the action straight to their mobiles.
Or follow @OUFCOfficial on Twitter for regular updates and all the action on Saturday.
USEFUL LINKS
- Book your seat
- Hear the whole game live in Yellow Player
- Have a bet on the game
- Download the magazine