OXFORD United are hoping to avoid a second wash-out in the space of five days when they visit Exeter City on Boxing Day.

The festive schedule took a battering on Saturday, with United’s home game against Fleetwood Town at the Kassam Stadium one of seven fixtures in npower League Two postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

There could be more frustration on the way, with Devon one of the areas hardest hit by the wet weather.

Exeter’s game at nearby Torquay United was scrapped on Saturday and further heavy downpours are due.

Chris Wilder admitted all his players could do was train as normal and hope for the best, and the U’s boss felt considering the time of year their hosts would be very keen to avoid a postponement.

He said: “Traditionally it’s a big game in the season and they will be doing whatever they can to get the game on.

“I’m not expecting an early inspection and I should imagine if it is in doubt it will be left until right at the last minute.

“But I’m seeing the same weather forecasts as everyone else and that part of the country has been the worst hit.”

United will have to make one enforced change, with Adam Chapman ruled out for six weeks after damaging ankle ligaments in Tuesday’s 2-0 win against Accrington Stanley.

Lee Cox, who came on for the midfielder in the FA Cup tie, is the favourite to deputise alongside Peter Leven.

Simon Heslop is suspended, but new signing Josh Parker is likely to make the squad for the first time.

Exeter go into the game just inside the play-off positions and will be looking to complete a league double over the U’s following the 4-2 win at the Kassam Stadium in September.

The United manager is expecting another difficult game, although City’s recent results at St James Park give the visitors cause for optimism.

He said: “It’s a tough game for us, but I think the league as it’s shown all season is a very unpredictable one.

“It’s a game we can go and be positive, as we have done all season away from home.”

TODAY’S SQUADS Exeter City: from Krysiak, Tully, Woodman, Bennett, Baldwin, Coles, Sercombe, Oakley, Gow, Cureton, O’Flynn, Evans, Amankwaah, Moore-Taylor, Dawson, Keohane, Chamberlain, Reid.

Oxford Utd: from Clarke, Batt, Raynes, Wright, Davis, Potter, Cox, Leven, Rigg, Constable, Craddock, Parker, Marsh, Forster-Caskey, Worley, O’Brien, Duberry, Brown.