SAM Slocombe is set to take over between the sticks as Oxford United make the trip to Exeter City in Sky Bet League Two this afternoon (3).

Michael Appleton gave Benji Buchel a start in goal for the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy area final against Millwall on Tuesday, but confirmed Slocombe would return today.

“Sam has the jersey and it is his to lose or Benji’s to win,” said United’s head coach.

Chris Maguire is pushing for a start after rejoining the club this week, but other signing Zeli Ismail may have to settle for a place on the bench.

Ryan Taylor (groin) is United’s only absentee.

Exeter will be without the injured Ryan Harley and Christy Pym, while Jordan Moore-Taylor, David Noble and Craig Woodman face late fitness tests.

TODAY’S SQUADS

Exeter City: Olejnik, Ribeiro, Brown, Moore-Taylor, McAllister, Nicholls, Tillson, Oakley, Grant, Stockley, Holmes, Reid, Taylor, Davies, Hamon, Watkins, Wheeler, Butterfield.

Oxford United: Slocombe, Kenny, Mullins, Wright, Skarz, MacDonald, Sercombe, Lundstram, O’Dowda, Roofe, Hylton, Maguire, Buchel, Ismail, Dunkley, Bowery, Evans, Ruffels.