We look ahead to the Boxing Day game at the Kassam Stadium
• Bumper crowd expected• Great family prices available
• Holmes-Dennis extends loan
• Read all about it in the matchday magazine
TEAM NEWS
United have had an early Christmas present with the news that Tareiq Holmes-Dennis's loan from Charlton Athletic will now run until the end of the season rather than ending in January. The highly promising Charlton youngster has been a model of consistency since arriving in October and will be part of a United squad looking to show what they can do in front of what should be a bumper Boxing Day crowd.
The U's could welcome James Roberts back into the squad to face Shrewsbury. The teenage striker scored three goals in his first three senior games but has missed the last month with a hamstring problem. He trained fully yesterday and could be included, while John Campbell will be hoping for a home debut after making his first appearance in the 1-1 draw at Hartlepool last Saturday.
The one doubt is defender Johnny Mullins, who picked up an ankle injury last weekend and is rated 50/50. Chey Dunkley stands by for his first start since arriving from Kidderminster Harriers.
See Michael Appleton, Danny Hylton and Ryan Clarke give their thoughts ahead of the game in Yellow Player.
THE OPPOSITION
High-flying Shrewsbury could go top of the table with a decent Christmas, as Micky Mellon's side look to build on a very consistent first half of the season.
See Michael Appleton, Danny Hylton and Ryan Clarke give their thoughts ahead of the game in Yellow Player.
THE OPPOSITION
High-flying Shrewsbury could go top of the table with a decent Christmas, as Micky Mellon's side look to build on a very consistent first half of the season.
"It’s Oxford next on Boxing Day," said midfielder Ryan Woods, "but if we keep performing we can come out of this Christmas spell on top. The spirit here is fantastic and we are all so comfortable together. I think we are going to need that togetherness through this spell where the games are coming up so quickly."
Shrewsbury have been formidable at home this season, where they have won 10 and drawn one of their 11 games but Mellon will be keen for his side to improve an away record that has seen them win only twice on the road so far this season if they are to push on from their current second place in the table.
BRING THE FAMILY TO US
Boxing Day is always a special day at Oxford United and there are great family offers available for this game. A family of four can enjoy the game for just £38, while under 7s can watch for FREE. It's Oxford's biggest Christmas Party, so bring your friends and family and get behind the U's.
The ticket office is open until midday on Christmas Eve but you can buy tickets online 24/7 throughout the festive period, saving you time as well as money on the day.
Call 01865 337533 to book your seat or book your place at www.oufctickets.co.uk
OLLY'S DEN
Fans in the Family Area can join us in Olly's Den once again. This brand new area features table tennis, shooting tests, player visits and giant games and is free to enter. Meet Olly and Olivia the Ox and enjoy the build up to kick-off in Olly's Den.
GETTING HERE
The Football Special buses are running as usual and offer cheap and easy transport to all league games. Click HERE for timetables and routes. Please note that the timetables are now back to normal following the roadworks on the ring road.
MATCHDAY MAGAZINE
The matchday magazine is a festive treat with a superb interview with skipper Jake Wright, a wonderful article from Chairman Darryl Eales and news and views from across the U's.
You can win Olly Murrs' latest album on our competitions page; we have action, we have history, we have statistics and we have some great editorial features, so make sure you pick up a copy of your matchday magazine for just £3 from sellers around the ground.
Remember that you can download a copy from our website at www.matchdayfix.com/oufc from 1pm (9am for subscribers).
FIFTY/50
Be sure to pick up a Fifty/50 half time draw ticket from one of our sellers around the ground. The first prize is regularly £1,000 plus so you don’t want to miss out on what could be £1 very well spent!
ALL THE ODDS
If you fancy a flutter on Saturday’s game then SKY BET is the place to visit.
Every bet you place benefits the U's and with great odds on every game why go anywhere else?
For the full range of odds available on the match click HERE.
COVERAGE
If you can’t be with us on Boxing Day, then live full match commentary is available in Yellow Player. Yellow Player is the ONLY place on the internet where you can listen to the game live, and there will also be video interviews with all the key men, plus extended highlights.
THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE
www.oufc.co.uk is the perfect place to follow all the action. The official website will have:
- An exciting match console
- A full match report the minute the final whistle is blown
- A full photo gallery of all the key moments
- The manager and key players' reactions in Yellow Player
- SMS subscribers will receive all the action straight to their mobiles.
Or follow @oufclive on Twitter for regular updates and all the action on Saturday.
USEFUL LINKS
- Book your seat
- Hear the whole game live in Yellow Player
- Have a bet on the game
- Download the magazine