A full guide to Sunday's top of the table meeting
A full guide as United take on Scunthorpe United.
Team News
United will have to make changes as they welcome third placed Scunthorpe to the Kassam Stadium. Striker Dave Kitson is unavailable after picking up his tenth yellow card of the season against Plymouth on Boxing Day. Deane Smalley stands by to replace Kitson alongside James Constable up front as the second placed U's look to get back to winning ways after Plymouth ended their nine game unbeaten run.
The Opposition
Scunthorpe are also without a striker through suspension. Top scorer Sam Winnall was sent off in their 2-2 draw with Bury on Boxing Day, having scored both goals, The second yellow was picked up in celebrating the second of those goals
Manager Russ Wilcox admits that his side will miss their 11 goal front man: “He’s our top scorer and the joint top scorer in the league. Of course you’re going to miss your top scorer,” said Wilcox, who may bring in experienced striker Chris Iwelumo,
“I don’t want to go there and defend" Wilcox said. "That’s not going to be my way – I said that again at half-time at Bury, that while we were leading 1-0, we needed to get that second goal. It’s going to be a tough game. They are a strong, powerful side – but I just think every game is tough. I spoke to the lads today about the two games and for me, Oxford will be no more difficult that Bury was. That’s what kind of league it is. Bottom can beat top and vice-versa and if you don’t turn up on the day, you get beat.”
Tickets
Tickets are still available at advance prices via www.oufctickets.co.uk or from the ticket office on the phone from 10am on Sunday. You save time as well as money by booking in advance.
Getting Here
Thinking of coming along and need to know more about parking, buses and public transport? Then click HERE. The football special buses are running as normal for this game.
Be well read...
Our match programme is full of great prizes as well as great articles. Win an Olly Murs CD or a limited edition SEGA back-pack worth £50. Then read a fantastic exclusive interview with former Scunthorpe defender Michael Raynes, who reveals all. Asa Hall looks back at his career so far, while the day's guest of honour, Les Phillips, gives some fascinating answers to your questions.
We take a look at the highlights of the last year plus we delve further back in time to recall the Thames Valley Royals saga, the subject of an award-winning documentary from BBC Radio Oxford. The youth team comes under the spotlight as Chris Williams takes an in-depth look at their triumphant trip to Swansea in the FA Youth Cup. We also carry a sneak preview of the Oxford United Women's team, who will be competing in the game's second level when the WSL season starts in March.
All this, and so much more, can be yours for just £3 from sellers around the ground. Or buy it as a download from our website at www.matchdayfix.com/oufc where you will be able to access it online from 1pm, or from 9am if you're a subscriber.
Coverage
If you can't be with us then try out Yellow Player, where we have commentary of the whole game live, plus video interviews with all the key men and match highlights for you to see.
Yellow Player is the ONLY place on the internet that you can hear the game online; join us for all the action.
Betting
Find all the best odds on every United game with league sponsors Sky Bet, and remember that the club makes money from every new sign-up and subsequent bet placed.
You can place your bet now by clicking HERE. The U’s are currently 13/10 to win but there are also 52 other markets you can bet on, including:
Correct Score
Oxford 1-0 5/1
Oxford 2-0 17/2
Oxford 2-1 17/2
Oxford 3-0 20/1
Oxford 3-1 20/1
The draw:
Draw 0-0 7/1
Draw 1-1 5/1
Draw 2-2 16/1
Draw 3-3 80/1
Draw 4-4 250/1
First/Last Goalscorers
James Constable 5/1
Deane Smalley 5/1
Sean Rigg 15/2
Ryan Williams 8/1
Or how about Johnny Mullins to score in a 3-1 win at an eye-catching 260/1
This Site
www.oufc.co.uk is the perfect place to follow all the action. The official website will have:
- Full team news
- Read a full match report the very second the final whistle blows
- See a full gallery of all the key moments
- See highlights and the manager and key players give their reactions in Yellow Player
- SMS subscribers get all the action straight to their mobiles.
- Or follow @OUFClive on Twitter for all the action wherever you are.
Bring On The Wall
We will continue to push the boundaries of our brand new web feature The Wall throughout Saturday's game. Log on and join the experiment.
Fifty/50
Make sure you buy a Fifty-50 lottery ticket to be in with a chance of winning a big cash prize. Tickets are on sale all around the ground including from the concourse programme sellers, with the draw at half-time.
The result will appear right here as soon as it is made.