OXFORD United may need to think on their feet to find a way past Portsmouth this afternoon, according to Shandon Baptiste.

It comes after Sunderland changed their formation in midweek in a bid to stop Karl Robinson’s men from building any momentum.

United are 11 games unbeaten in all competitions and have scored more goals than any other side in English football’s top four divisions.

It has not gone unnoticed and after admitting the Black Cats’ plan, which largely worked, caught them out, Baptiste believes others will follow suit.

He said: “In the game on Tuesday they played with a different formation, to stop us from doing what we can.

“It was a bit of a shock to the system for us, but I think we dealt with it.

“It’s another big game, as big as Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, so we have to go there with the right mentality.

“They will probably do a similar thing to stop us.

“But we have a good team and a strong squad so we can overcome anything that anyone throws at us.

“We just have to manage that, do what we can and I’m sure our talent will come out.”

Cameron Brannagan’s knee injury is not as serious as first feared, with United hoping the midfielder could be back in action later this month.

In the meantime, it offers Baptiste an opportunity to have a run of games in midfield.

The 21-year-old’s work load has been carefully managed since returning from his own, much longer-term, knee problem, but he now feels ready to be cut loose.

He said: “I’m feeling strong and fit.

“I think the one thing I need now is to be playing week-in, week-out.

“That’s how you build up your match fitness.

“Hopefully I can start doing that now and help the team.

“I was gutted for Cam, but it opens up an opportunity for me.”

A return to Fratton Park carries mixed memories for Baptiste.

It was the venue of his Football League debut last season, but United’s miserable 4-1 defeat clouded the occasion.

He said: “It wasn’t a great day, but I think we’re in a way better state now than we were then.

“We’ll go there firing and strong, hopefully we’ll get the three points.”

Oxford United Women entertain Norwich City at Court Place Farm in the National League Plate tomorrow (2pm).