Oxford v Barnet preview

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Oxford boss Chris Wilder looks set to name an unchanged starting 11.

James Constable marked his recall with the first goal and an influential performance at Torquay and the former Kidderminster striker is likely to get the nod again alongside Alfie Potter.

But left-back Tony Capaldi looks set to miss out with a back injury which forced the Northern Ireland international to be substituted just nine minutes into the match.

There could be a recall for Liam Davis but Lewis Montrose will miss out with a hamstring injury.

Goalkeeper Ryan Clarke (shoulder), striker Justin Richards (knee) and midfielder Peter Leven (knee) remain sidelined.

The U’s have taken 13 points from a possible 18 in their last six matches to move up to 10th place in the league.

Barnet have a host of players close to returning from injury.

Strikers Jake Hyde, Craig Beattie (both hamstring), Jon Nurse (concussion) and Ishmail Kamara (shoulder) are all in contention after spells on the sidelines.

However, player-boss Edgar Davids is unlikely to tinker with his starting line-up after a thumping 4-1 win over Morecambe at the weekend.

Dani Lopez grabbed a hat-trick while youngster Luke Gambin scored on his full debut so they are set to keep their places in attack.

Midfielder John Oster is progressing well after a hamstring injury but will not be ready while forwards Ricky Holmes (foot) and Steve Kabba (knee) are long-term absentees along with back-up goalkeeper Liam O’Brien (groin).

Oxford v Barnet preview

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Oxford could be missing an abundance of first-team players as they start a period of three successive home fixtures by playing host to Barnet.

The U’s are will definitely be without Alfie Potter who is out for the season after breaking his ankle. Chris Wilder’s team could also be deprived of the services of Tom Craddock, Jon-Paul Pittman, Tony Capaldi and Simon Heslop.

Craddock has a knee complaint that could keep him out for upto a month, whilst Capaldi has yet to feature since joining from Morecambe in the summer due to knee and back troubles. Pittman has a hamstring problem but Heslop, who has missed the previous two games with a heel injury, has trained this week and is hopeful of making the squad.

Full-back Andy Whing suffered a suspected broken nose at the weekend, but that will not stop him from facing Lawrie Sanchez’s side.

On-loan Mehdi Kerrouche could again partner James Constable after impressing on his United debut in the stalemate with Bristol Rovers at the weekend.

A win for United could pull them closer to Crawley as they look to consolidate the final play-off space that seems available, such is the form of the top six currently.

Meanwhile, Barnet manager Lawrie Sanchez faces a selection headache at right-back with Michael Hector and Sead Hajrovic both vying for the position.

Hector has missed the Bees’ last two outings with a hamstring tweak but is expected to feature.

Arsenal loanee Hajrovic replaced Hector for those games and will hope to keep hold of his place after extending his stay for another month.

Striker Charlie Taylor will serve the final game of a three-match ban he picked up following his sending-off in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy clash with Swindon.

Winger Mark Marshall remains unavailable following his suspension for testing positive for a banned substance.

Defender Danny Senda and striker Steve Kabba, both sidelined with knee injuries, remain long-term absentees.

Oxford v Barnet preview

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Oxford will be without defender Jake Wright for their home match with Barnet.

Centre-back Wright will be unavailable after he was ruled out for up to eight weeks with a broken metatarsal sustained in the 2-1 win over Chesterfield last week.

Harry Worley replaced Wright just before half-time against Chesterfield and is expected to continue at the heart of defence.

On-loan Plymouth striker Steven Maclean is likely to lead the line again and will now stay at the Kassam Stadium until January 15 after his loan deal was extended.

Leading goalscorer James Constable is pushing for a return to the side after making substitute appearances in the last three matches following his recovery from illness.

Barnet striker Ricky Holmes is set to miss the trip to Oxford.

Holmes suffered a knee injury during the 2-1 defeat by Gillingham last week and could be facing a spell on the sidelines.

The Bees are also without on-loan midfielder Mark Byrne, who has gone back to parent club Nottingham Forest for treatment on the knee injury which is likely to spell the end of his stint at Underhill.

Defenders Daniel Leach and Darren Dennehy (both foot) are still out after being crocked earlier in the season.

Winger Glenn Poole (ankle) and striker Danny Kelly (hamstring) are also on the sidelines but frontman Izale McLeod could be handed a first start after two substitute appearances following his recovery from knee surgery.