U's reshape as they take on the Cobblers
Oxford United will be forced into at least two changes as they head for Northampton Town this Saturday. Influential midfielder Liam Sercombe misses the game through suspension after his red card at Bristol Rovers last weekend while Kemar Roofe is highly doubtful with a shoulder injury.
Head Coach Michael Appleton faces some interesting choices, but told Yellow Player HD that the competition for places is so tough that whoever comes into the side will be desperate to hang on to that place, which can only be good for the unbeaten U’s. Callum O’Dowda is the likely replacement for Roofe, and Appleton said:
“Callum was doing fantastically well before he went away with Ireland and I know he will be chomping at the bit to get back in the team. I know he was very worried before going to play for Ireland about losing his place but as long as he has come through those games then I’d think there is every opportunity that he will get his chance again.
“Liam has done great for us and will be a big miss. To have him and Kemar out for the same game is a big test for the team and I’m looking forward to seeing how some of the players deal with it. Those two have been a big influence so far so it is an opportunity for someone else. The biggest thing Liam was worried about after his red card was not being in the team and losing his place, like Callum, which shows the frame of mind that the players are in; nobody wants to be out of the side at the moment because they know how hard it is to get back into it.”
United haven’t lost in 14 games but face a stern test at Sixfields, as Michael admits:
“It’s a difficult place. I think we just have to start the game well, compete with them and try and make it as nervous as we can for them in the later stages.They are going through a difficult period at the minute which is going to make it doubly difficult but we go there in great shape and it’s a game we are looking forward to.”
See the whole interview, including a typically honest assessment of the likely replacement for Sercombe in midfield only in Yellow Player HD.
We also have the thoughts of Callum O’Dowda and Jake Wright, plus a mystery guest in the Preview Show. Visit Yellow Player HD for all the pre-match build up plus full match commentary.