Michael Appleton is hoping the extra spice created by Chris Wilder’s return will help Oxford United hit the heights against Northampton Town in Sky Bet League Two tonight (7.45).

The U’s have been in patchy form at the Kassam Stadium this season, but the presence of former manager Wilder in the away dugout adds spice.

Appleton believes it will boost the atmosphere and help the hosts.

“I think the fact they’re only down the road helps and the previous manager adds to that,” he said.

“I think the better performances we’ve had this year have been in that type of atmosphere.

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“If that’s the case then bring it on and it’s something we’ll look forward to.”

Patrick Hoban (dead leg) could miss out, while George Baldock (thigh) is a doubt.

Northampton are without suspended Ryan Cresswell and Jason Taylor, while top scorer Marc Richards is also out (Achilles).

TONIGHT’S SQUADS

Oxford Utd: from Ashdown, Baldock, Mullins, Wright, Skarz, Roofe, Whing, Rose, MacDonald, Hylton, Vassell, Roberts, O’Dowda, Collins, Ruffels, Dunkley, Long, Clarke.

Northampton Tn: from Duke, Moloney, Collins, Diamond, Horwood, Hackett, Carter, Byrom, D’Ath, Toney, Gray, De Girolamo, O’Toole, Holmes, Hornby, Perry, Tozer, Jalal.