MICHAEL Appleton predicts Oxford United’s players will see less of the ball this evening – but it could work to their advantage.

Visitors Newport County had a dreadful start to the season, but are on a seven-game unbeaten run.

New boss John Sheridan has changed the Exiles to play a 3-5-2 system, which may have a big impact on the pattern of the game at the Kassam Stadium.

Appleton, United’s head coach, said: “It can be very difficult to play against at times.

“You can punish a team playing 3-5-2 if you do it correctly, but you might have to sacrifice the ball a little bit.

“That might be something different for us.

“They might have the ball for periods, whereas other teams when they’ve come here have found we have the majority of it.

“We’ll be sending messages to the players not to panic if they (only) have a bit of the ball, because sometimes that can work in our favour.

“If they get over-confident and think they’re enjoying the night that’s when we’re at our most dangerous.”

Skipper Jake Wright is the only player in the United treatment room, so Appleton could name the same XI which started Saturday’s 1-0 win at Dagenham & Redbridge.

Newport are expected to be unchanged following a goalless draw at home to Yeovil Town.

Midfielder Nathan Ralph (groin) is the visitors’ only player ruled out of the game.

LINE-UPS

Oxford Utd: from Buchel, Baldock, Dunkley, Mullins, Skarz, MacDonald, Sercombe, Lundstram, Roofe, Hylton, Taylor, Hoban, O’Dowda, George, Ruffels, Rose, Long, Slocombe.

Newport Co: from Day, Hughes, Bennett, Partridge, Barnum-Bobb, Elito, Byrne, Rodman, Barrow, Ansah, John-Lewis, Collins, Boden, Klukowski, O’Sullivan, Taylor, Holmes, Green.