Michael Appleton looks ahead to Tuesday night
Oxford United move on from a win over Morecambe to welcome the league leaders to the Kassam Stadium on Tuesday night. Michael Appleton’s side face Northampton Town looking to close a nine-point gap on the Cobblers.
“They are flying high and quite rightly are getting the plaudits for the incredible run they are on,” Michael told Yellow Player HD earlier today. “They are a strong, physical side but hopefully we can hold our own and impose ourselves on the game.“
United’s 4-2 win at Morecambe saw four different scorers and Michael paying tribute to the impact that subs Callum O’Dowda, Zeli Ismail and Jordan Bowery made after their introduction added late impetus. Michael was quick to praise those three, so have they done enough to earn a starting place?
“I’m about 90 per cent sure now what we are going to go with on Tuesday, although there were two or three knocks on Saturday,” he said. “Provided they come through training today then we will make a decision first thing in the morning and pick the right team to beat Northampton.”
That margin of doubt includes top scorer Kemar Roofe, who limped off at the Globe Arena and is a major doubt for Tuesday night.
“Initially I was fearful it was his knee, the way he landed looked really awkward,” Michael admitted, “but then he got up and was tight around his groin. He does say he feels a bit better today but we won’t take any risks; it would be daft to do that if he’s not right. But if he’s 100 per cent and ready to go then we’ll let him at them.”
With another big crowd under the lights at the Kassam Stadium, it is a game for everyone to look forward to:
“You can’t wish for a better game for Tuesday night,” Michael said. “Hopefully it will be a big crowd, the atmosphere will be electric and that will push us on to try and get another important victory.”
See the full interview, plus the Preview Show and the thoughts of Jordan Bowery, in Yellow Player HD right now.
Book your place for the game. Call 01865 337533 or visit www.oufctickets.co.uk to get behind the U’s.