OXFORD United’s players will have the chance to stake a claim for a place in the first game of the league season when they host Leeds United tonight.

Boss Karl Robinson is planning to make changes from the side which began Saturday’s 3-1 defeat to Crystal Palace.

It looked a strong outfit, but the likes of Cameron Norman and John Mousinho will get an extended opportunity, while Rob Hall and – for the first time – new signing Jamie Mackie are due to feature.

And Robinson has stressed to his squad that no-one can be sure of lining up at Oakwell for their Sky Bet League One opener on August 4.

He said: “I told the players before the game there are still a lot of things to happen and they will all be fighting for an opportunity to play at Barnsley.

“We’ve got two busy weeks now before the ball rolls for the first time.

“That’s when the excitement really starts.”

But there could well be an air of anticipation at the Kassam Stadium tonight, with United hoping to be able to unveil one of their top summer targets.

Robinson is very confident of completing the formalities of a loan move today, while the U’s boss also expects to receive a decision from midfielder Jem Karacan before the game.

He said: “He’s got a 24-hour window to make a decision.

“He’s had a written contract today, so it’s down to him.

“Hopefully we’ll have another one over the line by the morning and we can announce it before the game.”

Tonight’s fixture was arranged as part of the deal which took Kemar Roofe from the U’s to Elland Road in 2016.

He is sure to get a big welcome back from the U’s fans in what is his first playing return at the Kassam Stadium.

Right back Tony McMahon is the only home player who will be rested, but otherwise Robinson has no intention of wrapping anyone up in cotton wool with one eye on the start of the season.

He said: “They have to be robust and that’s how we’ve trained.

“Look at the difference it’s made to Jon Obika. I don’t think he completed more than two training sessions at the back end of last season and he’s not missed a minute’s training yet.

“It’s no coincidence he’s performing better.”