We look ahead to Saturday's big match at the Kassam Stadium
• Hoskins and Hoban hopeful• Long and Meades compete for right back slot
• Barrett back at Shrimpers
• Read all about it in the matchday magazine
TEAM NEWS
Will Hoskins could make his first start since September as the U's welcome Southend United to the Kassam Stadium. Hoskins was injured in the 1-1 draw at Southend earlier in the season but after a cameo appearance as sub at Dagenham last weekend could figure up front where James Roberts is ruled out with a hamstring problem. Patrick Hoban is fully recovered from an ankle problem and having received international clearance could be on the bench for the first time since signing from Dundalk.
Joe Riley's departure opens the door for either Jon Meades and Sam Long, 20 today, at right back.
See Michael Appleton talking about the game in Yellow Player where we also have a great Preview Show featuring Callum O'Dowda and Chey Dunkley.
THE OPPOSITION
Southend boss Phil Brown has strengthened his squad this week with experienced centre-half Adam Barrett rejoining the club from Gillingham and 21-year old Wolves striker Jake Cassidy joining on loan. Cian Bolger misses the game through suspension.
MOTORSPORT DAY
There will be a little more ‘va va voom’ on display than usual as it is officially ‘Motorsport Day’ at the Kassam Stadium.
There will be a vast range of motor cars, varying from an exhibition of Marussia’s imposing Formula One range, to a racing Mini, produced and tested locally in Oxfordshire. The Quantel Bifold Racing MG6 BTCC car will also be on display and their number one driver, Marc Hynes, will be on hand to meet the fans.
Also attending the game will be apprentices and representatives from MINI Plant Oxford who will be on hand to talk about their exciting apprentice opportunities.
TICKETS
OLLY'S DEN
Fans in the Family Area can join us in Olly's Den once again (weather permitting). This brand new area, now astroturfed, 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.
MATCHDAY MAGAZINE
Our award-winning match programme has great interviews with Chey Dunkley and Will Hoskins plus a chat with our Guest of Honour, former United and Southend striker Mark Rawle
Chairman Darryl Eales gives his thoughts, as do head coach Michael Appleton and captain Jake Wright. There is the usual eclectic mix of stats, action, editorial and history, while our half-time quiz will keep you occupied for the duration of the interval.
You can buy the matchday magazine for just £3 (with a copy of the day's Oxford Mail while stocks last) from sellers around the ground before the game, or download a copy from www.matchdayfix.com/oufc from 1pm on the day of the match (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 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 @OUFCOfficial 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