By JON MURRAY OXFORD United manager Malcolm Shotton is weighing up just how adventurous he can dare to be with his line-up as his team go for goals in a bid to achieve Mission Impossible.

The U's need to score four goals more than QPR when they face Stockport County in the final game of the season at the Manor Ground tomorrow (1.30).

But in some ways, that is the easy part of the equation.

For them to stay up, Oxford must still rely on QPR and Bury both losing at home, to Crystal Palace and Port Vale, and the only ones believing that will happen live in fantasyland.

Kevin Francis looks set to return to face his former club, but it's not clear who Shotton will go for alongside him in attack, or whether he will opt for three forwards rather than the traditional two.

"I think we should play one keeper and ten strikers," said centre back Phil Gilchrist who, barring a spate of late votes for Mark Watson, will collect the Player of the Year award before kick-off.

"It's funny a defender saying this, but I don't mind us letting in four goals so long as we score more and win. I'd be happy with 5-4.

"If we can score four goals, that's our part done. We just have to throw players forward." Shotton said: "We just have to go out and make sure we do what we have to do, we can't think about anyone else.

"We've worked a lot on finishing, as we have done in the last three weeks . . . we'll just have to see whether it pays off."

Francis and Andy Thomson were withdrawn from the second of two reserve team games in less than 24 hours this week, Thomson having a bruised heel, but both trained yesterday and are available for selection.

"Kevin has done well lately," stated United's manager.

"We've got four forwards and I'll have to see who to put out to get goals. A goal from all four at some stage in the game would be nice but, as I've said before, it's not just their fault that they haven't been going in, we've had other players missing good chances as well."

United have struck four just once before this season, a 4-1 victory over QPR seven months ago.

Gary Megson's Stockport, who have lost their last three games, will have former U's midfielder David Smith knitting moves together with his tidy passing. Kevin Cooper, on the left wing, and former Everton striker Brett Angell, will be the main dangers. "It's been a disapponting season but hopefully our fans can go and enjoy this last game," Shotton declared.

"The fans have been an absolute credit to this club."

Story date: Saturday 08 May

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