An Atkins is resisting any temptation to make sweeping changes to the Oxford United side for tomorrow's Division 3 game at home to Swansea.

Supporters, frustrated by the team's home results, have criticised the United boss this week, but Atkins insists the team are progressing along the right lines.

And as soon as one, or both, of the injured main strikers returns from injury, Oxford will be a force, he believes.

"Just because we've lost a home game doesn't mean we need to change personnel or change systems, because then the whole thing goes belly-up. The team's progressing nicely."

He added: "A lot of the fans don't see what we've produced away, but we're a good team. We just miss a clinical finisher.

United have scored just two goals in their last five home matches, but their play in all areas of the park apart from inside the 18-yard box has been good.

Neither Steve Basham nor Lee Steele will be fit to face the Swans, but Basham has done a lot of training this week and Atkins hopes to give him 45 minutes against Cambridge United Reserves and is then looking to play both strikers in the home LDV Vans Trophy tie against Bournemouth. "Basham has had a scan on his hamstring and it has completely healed up, and he's chomping at the bit now," Atkins said.

"Steele keeps getting knocked sideways, but he has seen a chiropractor about his hip. What the lay-offs have done is given both players the chance to work on their bodies."

One change may be enforced because United have not yet been able to tie up a deal with Reading's Adrian Viveash, who had an impressive month on loan at the club.

Talks are believed to be continuing, but if a deal cannot be struck, Atkins may still stick with a 3-5-2 formation, using either Scott McNiven or David Waterman as one of the centre backs.

Which combination he uses up front is uncertain. David Oldfield could return alongside loanee Gavin Gordon, but the manager may want to field the two who have the most goal threat.