OXFORD United have chosen to play two cup games in three days next month in order to maximise their preparation for the Sky Bet League Two clash with Carlisle United.

The 3-1 Emirates FA Cup replay victory over Braintree Town on Tuesday set up a home game against Forest Green Rovers, which has been switched to Sunday, December 6 (2pm) so it can be part of the BBC’s Final Score.

The fixture comes before Yeovil Town visit in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy, but United did not want a repeat of the previous round.

On that occasion their trophy tie at Dagenham & Redbridge was switched to Wednesday in response to the initial game at Braintree on the Sunday.

It means the area semi-final against Yeovil will be played on Tuesday, December 8 (7.45).

Head coach Michael Appleton has no fears over playing twice in just over 48 hours, which gives United more time ahead of the league game at home to Carlisle four days later.

He said: “There are times in the season where you have to play two games in three days.

“We’ll certainly put out a side we think will be strong enough to beat Yeovil.

“It does give us an extra day’s preparation for the following Saturday.”