OXFORD United’s free Saturday will not impact Karl Robinson’s team selection when his side returns to action.

Today’s home clash with Shrewsbury Town was postponed due to their opponents’ Emirates FA Cup third round tie against Southampton – although that has since been called off due to Covid cases at the Shropshire outfit.

With the midweek visit of Doncaster Rovers also shelved because of coronavirus at the away side, Tuesday’s Papa John’s Trophy third round match against Cambridge United will be the U’s first outing in ten days.

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The extended break will not stop Robinson making several changes, but he is set to start Elliott Moore and Sam Long – the two United players to rack up the most minutes this season.

“I know what my team is going to be,” United’s head coach said.

“Elliott and Longy will play, but every other player that steps on that pitch will be someone who hasn’t been playing.

“The reason we know we can go with those two is they’ve had a long break, so there won’t be a fatigue element.

“Those two positions are probably covering 9.3 or 9.4km per game, probably not at top speed in some of those.

“Centre back is probably the lowest physical output on the football pitch, except for the goalkeeper.

“We know we can comfortably get through that with those two players.”

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The Cambridge tie could be an opportunity for Cameron Brannagan to make his first start since October.

The midfielder returned from a serious eye problem in the 5-1 win at Burton Albion last Saturday, coming on as a 75th-minute substitute.

Brannagan and Sam Winnall’s returns mean Robinson has a fully-fit squad to choose from and he insisted it would be a strong line-up.

He said: “People will question me making a lot of changes, but it’ll be Simon Eastwood in goal, Jordan Obita at left back and Sean Clare (at right back). It’s not bad.

“When people see the players ahead of that they’ll realised we’ve developed a half-decent squad.”