JON Obika is champing at the bit to return when Oxford United host Walsall this afternoon.

The striker has missed the last two games with a minor hamstring strain, but is available again and could replace Wes Thomas, who is a doubt with a knee problem.

Obika said: “I feel very sharp.

“I’m glad there was a free week, so I could get in a lot of sessions and I feel fit and raring to go.”

Agon Mehmeti could also make the bench for the first time, while U’s boss Pep Clotet will make a late call on Christian Ribeiro (knee).

Walsall made nine changes in the 3-1 Checkatrade Trophy win against West Brom’s under 21 side in midweek, but boss Jon Whitney is expected to revert back to the side which drew 1-1 with Peterborough a week ago.

Former U’s loanee Tyler Roberts is expected to lead the line for the Saddlers.

TODAY’S LINE-UPS

Oxford Utd: from Eastwood, Mousinho, Nelson, Williamson, Ricardinho, Hall, Ledson, Rothwell, Henry, Payne, Thomas, Obika, Mehmeti, Van Kessel, Mowatt, Xemi, Ruffels, Martin, Carroll, Shearer.

Walsall: from Gillespie, Wilson, Donnellan, Guthrie, Devlin, Cuvelier, Chambers, Edwards, Leahy, Oztumer, T Roberts, Agyei, Bakayoko, Jackson, Ismail, Morris, K Roberts, L Roberts.