JOHN Mousinho has appealed for Oxford United supporters to stay with the side today for their crucial basement clash with Plymouth Argyle.

Both sides have won just once in 12 Sky Bet League One games so far this season.

The Pilgrims’ sole success came a week ago, though, and an away win would see the U’s four points adrift at the bottom.

Frustrations have mounted on the terraces during United’s wretched start, much of it aimed at boss Karl Robinson.

Skipper Mousinho understands the mood, but stressed supporters had a role to play as the side face a massive game.

He said: “We’re aware of the fans’ frustrations, I think it would take a complete idiot to not be.

“I don’t think any of us can turn around to them and say ‘we’re performing really well and you’re wrong’.

“Hopefully we can flip that, but I don’t think it’s been particularly toxic.

“I’ve been at places where it really has turned, but I just don’t think we’re quite there yet.

“Oxford fans were targeting promotion before the season and obviously it’s not gone that way.

“They have stuck with us and come the kick-off on Saturday I don’t think there will be any negative shouts.

“I know there will be if we don’t perform, or if we go 1-0 down.

“From our point of view if they could stick with us and be loud to help us out then we’ll be halfway there.”

Scoring goals has been United’s Achilles heel this season, with their strikers netting just once in the league so far.

But Mousinho, who had a stoppage-time header saved in last weekend’s goalless draw at Southend United, said: “We’ve all got to take responsibility.

“If the centre forwards aren’t scoring, can we chip in elsewhere?”

Samir Carruthers and Marcus Browne are expected to be available after returning from injury in midweek, but will be assessed to see how many minutes they can play.

Ex-U’s loanee Ashley Smith-Brown is expected to start for the visitors, but Ryan Taylor and Joe Riley will not face their former club due to ankle and knee injuries respectively.

TODAY’S LINE-UPS

Oxford Utd: from Eastwood, McMahon, Nelson, Dickie, Garbutt, Mousinho, Henry, Brannagan, Baptiste, Holmes, Mackie, Obika, Smith, Carruthers, Browne, Hanson, Ruffels, Raglan, Long, Norman, Mitchell, Shearer.

Plymouth Arg: from Macey, Moore, Edwards, P Grant, Smith-Brown, Fox, Songo’o, O’Keefe, Lameiras, Ladapo, Carey, Ness, Sarcevic, Canavan, C Grant, J Grant, Wylde, Letheren.