MAINTAINING a strong run of form is the priority for Oxford United tonight when they host Scunthorpe United in the Checkatrade Trophy.

Michael Appleton’s men have lost just one of their last dozen games in all competitions, which includes a 1-1 draw at the Iron in Sky Bet League One.

Up for grabs at the Kassam Stadium is a place in the quarter-finals, but for full back Phil Edwards playing well enough to continue the momentum is just as key.

He said: “If we can get a decent performance and result they’re the most important things. If we get through it’s a bonus.

“We just have to carry on what we’re doing at the moment because we’re in a rich vein of form.”

United are without the suspended Alex MacDonald and cup-tied Charlie Raglan.

Head coach Michael Appleton is planning to shuffle his pack, with the likes of Joe Skarz, Josh Ruffels and Joe Rothwell in the frame to start.

He said: “There are players who deserve an opportunity to get some minutes and there are a couple who have had knocks and just been getting on with it.

“That doesn’t mean we’ll take the game lightly. The side we put out will be very strong.”

Kane Hemmings is another aiming to get in the starting line-up.

And while the competition is being boycotted by some supporters, the attraction of being three wins from a return to Wembley, where United lost 3-2 to Barnsley last April, is a big one.

The striker said: “When am I going to (get a chance to play at) Wembley?

“The lads who were here last year have said how good it was.

“They didn’t get the result but it’s still an unbelievable day out, so I want to get there as well.”

Scunthorpe boss Graham Alexander has made changes to his side throughout the competition and is expected to do so again.

New signing Craig Davies could start against his former side, but Paddy Madden, Conor Townsend (both groin) and David Mirfin (foot) are injured, while Harry Toffolo is cup-tied.

TONIGHT’S LINE-UPS

Oxford Utd: from Eastwood, Edwards, Dunkley, Nelson, Skarz, Maguire, Rothwell, Ruffels, Johnson, Hemmings, Taylor, Hall, J Roberts, Sercombe, Ledson, Lundstram, Carroll, Buchel.

Scunthorpe Utd: from Anyon, Wiseman, Goode, Wallace, Butroid, Adelakun, Mantom, Williams, Davies, Margetts, van Veen, Hopper, Morris, Bishop, Holmes, Clarke, Dawson, Daniels.