Bury v Oxford Utd preview

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Striker Hallam Hope is likely to be the only Bury player missing for Oxford’s visit to the JD Stadium.

The former Everton trainee has been out of the Shakers’ last two games because of a hip flexor injury, with boss David Flitcroft indicating he expects him back in full training next week.

Flitcroft has presided over four straight wins for his promotion-chasing side and is unlikely to tinker too much having stuck with the same XI in back-to-back fixtures.

Striker Ryan Lowe (hamstring) made his first appearance since mid-January in midweek and could offer an alternative in attack if Flitcroft opts to shake things up.

Armand Gnanduillet is pushing for his first start for the U’s on Saturday.

The striker, a recent arrival on loan from Chesterfield, made his debut from the bench as Michael Appleton’s men came from behind to claim a point at home to Morecambe.

He replaced Danny Hylton after the hour-mark and might be one change to be considered.

Despite suffering a couple of knocks during the week, Appleton revealed he expected to have a full complement of players available to him.

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Bury v Oxford Utd preview

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Bury will be without Danny Mayor for the visit of Oxford as he completes his three-match ban.

The on-loan Sheffield Wednesday midfielder saw red in the 4-0 defeat at Chesterfield on January 11 and postponements have meant he has had to wait longer than expected to return to action.

Danny Nardiello missed Saturday’s 1-0 victory over Wycombe with a hamstring injury but should be fit to make his first appearance since signing a permanent deal.

Clive Platt could make his full debut as the 20th-placed Shakers aim to make it back-to-back wins and pull further away from the foot of the table.

Oxford expect Ryan Williams to return to action when they travel to Bury on Tuesday evening.

The Fulham loanee missed the weekend’s victory over AFC Wimbledon with a knee injury but he looks to boost the U’s options for the trip to Gigg Lane while Sean Rigg (calf) and Michael Raynes (hip) will both be assessed in the build up to kick-off.

Meanwhile David Connolly is pushing for a start after shaking off a leg injury to mark his U’s debut with a goal in the 2-1 win having stepped off the bench.

Winger Alfie Potter will not be involved once more but he hopes to return to training later this month as he steps up his comeback from his ankle injury.