STEVE Seddon’s suspension this weekend opens up questions on how Oxford United boss Karl Robinson will respond.
Without another recognised left back in the squad, Robinson will have to assess his options for how to manage Seddon’s absence.
The most obvious solution would be to move Sam Long over from the right and bring in Anthony Forde or Jamie Hanson at right back.
That would see United keep their back four and usual set up, therefore not hindering preparations too much for the trip to Sunderland.
See also: Robinson on player doubts following Covid and goalkeeper dilemma
An alternative for Robinson would be to switch to a back three.
That system was experimented with in the Emirates FA Cup defeat at Bristol Rovers and actually worked well.
United fell apart in extra time when they reverted to a back four, so there’s room to suggest a back three could sway Robinson.
There’s also an assortment of options the U’s manager could use in a three.
Elliott Moore, Jordan Thorniley and Luke McNally are the obvious candidates to play in a back three but Long has played in central defence before and could more than fulfil that role.
Whatever happens, replacing Seddon should be the most intriguing part of Robinson’s selection.
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