Chris Wilder says that Oxford United will relish the role of underdogs at Sheff-ield United today.

The U’s boss takes his depleted side to his hometown club for an FA Cup first-round tie where he says they have nothing to lose.

Wilder is without Wayne Brown and Tom Craddock through suspension, with defenders Anthony Tonkin, Tony Capaldi, Ryan James and Michael Duberry all injured and midfielder Adam Chapman still sidelined.

Added to the fact that left back Liam Davis missed the midweek Johnstone’s Paint Trophy defeat by Southend with a knock and right back Damian Batt left the ground on crutches, Wilder’s defence may well pick itself.

Alfie Potter is also a big doubt after coming off at half-time on Tuesday, while loanee Danny Philliskirk is not permitted to play against his parent club.

Steven Kinniburgh broke his nose in midweek, but will be in the squad.

Decisions on Potter, Davis and Batt will be left to the last minute, and Brown’s ban means that youth team keeper Max Crocombe will feature among the seven substitutes.

Wilder says that the squad will not be deflated.

“Since I have been at the football club, we have been expected to win games week in, week out,” he said.

“But it will be a role reversal on that front.

“We’re not expected to win the game, but don’t write us off because we are all fiercely determined to go there and give it a real go.”

Lifelong Blades supporter Wilder said: “I know it is going to be a strange sort of day, but I have too much respect for Sheffield United to start jumping up and down or screaming and shouting if we score.”

Midfielder Peter Leven said: “We went to Southend and passed them of the park “We didn’t take our chances then, but if we can produce the same level of performance then we will cause problems.”

With Billy Clarke and Matt Phillips returning to Blackpool, Sheffield United will have to make two changes.

Matt Lowton is likely to be reinstated at right-back, while boss Danny Wilson may start with Nick Montgomery.

Oxford Utd: from Clarke, Whing, Worley, Wright, Davis, Heslop, McLaren, Leven, Smalley, Constable, Franks, Potter, A Hall, Payne, Kinniburgh, Batt, Marsh, Crocombe.

Sheffield United: from Simonsen, Collins, Maguire, Williams, Parrino, Doyle, McDonald, Evans, Porter, Long, Lowton, Flynn, Harriott, Tonne, Quinn, Cresswell, Montgomery, Lescinel.

The draw for the second round will be made on ITV on Sunday at about 2.45pm after the conclusion of the televised FC Halifax v Charlton clash.

Redbridge or Oxford City are No 7, with Sheffield United or Oxford United No 24