MICHAEL Appleton has never been on the wrong end of an FA Cup shock and has no intention of finding out what it feels like, even though he will make changes this weekend.

The Oxford United head coach must try and strike the right balance in the next few days as he looks to manage a squad fighting on three fronts.

No-one at the club is pretending Sky Bet League Two is anything but the priority.

United would love a Cup run alongside strong league form, but if they can only have one, then promotion is the be all and end all.

The fixture list means the U’s have back-to-back fixtures away from League Two, with Sunday’s trip to Braintree Town followed three days later by a Johnstone’s Paint Trophy tie at Dagenham & Redbridge.

With several players in the treatment room, suspended, or in need of a break, Appleton admitted he is pleased not to be in league action.

“I think it actually might have come at a good time,” he said.

“We will give the FA Cup the respect it deserves, and the JPT the same, but ultimately my hand will be tied slightly in terms of what I can and can’t do.

“It will be an opportunity for two or three lads who have been on the sidelines for a few weeks now and are chomping at the bit to get some game time.

“Then there will be an opportunity to see one or two young players.

“They know as a group I want them to ask me questions all the time.”

United head into the game in good spirits, after a 5-1 win at Stevenage last Saturday took them second in the table.

But Appleton is well aware it all adds up to making his side a scalp for Braintree.

He said: “On the coupon we’ll be one a lot of people will be looking at and thinking ‘there’s a possibility there’ because Braintree are doing ever so well in the Conference.

“It’s no different to last year going to Grimsby (Town, in the first round).

“We weren’t playing particularly well at the time and I think most people expected there to be a shock.

“We well and truly put that to bed (winning 3-1).”

Appleton believes there are several elements which will help United avoid becoming the latest Football League team to be knocked out by non-league opposition.

He said: “Attitude, concentration levels, the way you go about it and the build-up can be important.

“You’ve got to treat the opposition with respect, go through their strengths and weaknesses like you would any other opposition and just do your job properly.

“It doesn’t mean you’re going to win, but it certainly (helps) eliminate the risk of losing the game.”

One thing is for sure, given the number of games this month, Appleton is keen to avoid a replay by ensuring the tie is decided on the day.

“Oh God yeah, without a shadow of a doubt,” he said.

“It may be a little bit different if you’re a League Two side playing against a team from the Premier League and all of a sudden you’ve nicked a 0-0 and you think about getting a money-spinner at their place.

“But that’s the reason why they are cup ties, it’s almost an Only Fools and Horses scenario – he who dares.”