CHARLIE Raglan is expected to come straight into Oxford United’s starting line-up for the visit of Rochdale.
The centre back joined on loan from Chesterfield on deadline day to ease Michael Appleton’s defensive problems.
While Joe Skarz was due to take some part in training yesterday after recovering from a thigh injury, he may not be risked.
Raglan fills the gap, especially with Aaron Martin likely to miss out for personal reasons.
United had several fringe players push their case with strong displays in the midweek Checkatrade Trophy win over Exeter City.
But head coach Michael Appleton would not be drawn on whether they had done enough to start today.
“You’ll have to wait and see,” he said.
“There were some good performances and there will be one or two players hoping they have an opportunity.”
Dale are without midfielders Callum Camps (suspended) and Matty Lund (international duty).
TODAY'S SQUADS
Oxford Utd: from Eastwood, Edwards, Raglan, Dunkley, Ruffels, MacDonald, Sercombe, Lundstram, Johnson, Maguire, Thomas, Hemmings, Taylor, Crowley, Rothwell, Skarz, Long, Brown.
Rochdale: Logan, McNulty, Canavan, McGahey, Mendez-Laing, McDermott, Allen, Cannon, Henderson, Davies, Andrew, Odelusi, Thompson, Noble-Lazarus, Rathbone, Vincenti, Tanser, Rafferty, Lillis.
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