Michael Appleton has warned Oxford United to be on their guard against veteran goalscorer Jamie Cureton this afternoon.

The Dagenham & Redbridge striker, who has scored more than 250 goals, turned 39 this week, but remains a dangerous presence.

He is surrounded by quick players who will be looking to soak up United’s possession and inflict damage on the counter-attack.

Appleton said: “Someone like Jamie Cureton thrives on people making mistakes and will try to get on the end of things.

“We have to be careful and make sure if we have as much possession as we’ve had in the first few games that we don’t get too carried away, so if we do lose the ball we have to make sure we stop counter-attacks, because they’re very quick.”

United will make one enforced change, with Junior Brown serving a one-game after being sent off against West Bromwich Albion, so either Alfie Potter or Callum O’Dowda are set to step up.

Joe Riley (knee) is a doubt, while Appleton has to decide whether to keep Max Crocombe in goal, or recall George Long.

Up front, Will Hoskins is sure to make his home debut, but with the striker some way off full fitness he may only make the bench.

Dagenham’s injury doubts include ex-United full back Damian Batt (groin), while last season’s top scorer, Rhys Murphy, is still sidelined (hip).

TODAY’S SQUADS

Oxford Utd: from G Long, Riley, Mullins, Wright, Newey, Collins, Ruffels, Potter, Hylton, Rose, Morris, Hoskins, O’Dowda, Meades, S Long, Raynes, Hunt, Crocombe.

Dagenham & Redbridge: from O’Brien, Partridge, Saah, Doe, Connors, Boucard, Ogogo, Howell, Chambers, Cureton, Hemmings, Goldberg, Porter, Labadie, Clarke, Gayle, Green, Cousins.

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