OXFORD United's players are raising their game as they prepare to face competition from their returning teammates, reckons Karl Robinson.

The U's go to Plymouth Argyle tonight aiming for a fourth straight win as they look to recover from a tough start to the season.

United climbed into the top half of Sky Bet League One with a 2-1 victory over Burton Albion on September 3, when they had six players out through injury.

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Steve Seddon, Josh Murphy, Sam Baldock, Matty Taylor and Elliott Moore are all closing in on a return, though, and Robinson believes this is an extra source of motivation for his available players.

United's head coach said: “We seem to be getting better, players who might be playing now see people coming back and they want to keep their shirt.

“A few weeks ago, they were so far away from coming back that the level of competition for places was very minimal.

“Now Matty, Sam, Josh and Elliott are all getting back on the grass. That is a spark of motivation in itself.

“The motivation you have to bring as a manager can sometimes be reduced by the level of competition your squad creates.”

Plymouth are a tough proposition at Home Park, winning all three League One games in Devon so far this season.

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Steven Schumacher's side are third in the table and look well-placed to challenge for promotion again, after missing out on the play-offs on the final day of last term.

Robinson said: “They’ve evolved again, made one or two changes and I’m sure they were surprised they’ve kept hold of one or two players as well.

"They’ll be fuelled by falling short on the last day and they will make sure that won’t be the case again.

"I’m sure they will make it very difficult for us."