Preview as Oxford United travel to Barnet
Oxford United's pre-season continues as they head for Barnet on Saturday.
TEAM NEWS
New signing Tyler Roberts is included for the first time after arriving on loan from West Brom but fellow striker Kane Hemmings may have to wait for international clearance after joining from Dundee. The club are still waiting for that paperwork but are hopeful that he can be involved for the first time.
The attacking duo add to the options while Head Coach Michael Appleton will assess Alex MacDonald in training today. The winger is making good progress after a hip injury but after missing a week or so of pre-season may need a few more days of fitness work before he is risked.
THE OPPOSITION
Barnet Boss Martin Allen feels that this weekend’s game will provide a good test for his Bees side
“It’s a good measure for us - Oxford United were obviously promoted last year. They had a fantastic season and enjoyed a good cup run as well. Michael Appleton deserves a lot of credit and he’s had good backing too. The club is growing and growing – I understand that they’re getting a new stand behind the goal. They’re definitely on the up and they’ve got some good young players coming through.
“Oxford beat us at The Hive last year so there is no doubt that it’s going to be a hard game. They’ve got some quality players and it will be another good test for us.
“We’ve got good people here at Barnet. All the players in the squad – whether they’re in the team or not – are all fully focused on getting success for the supporters and for the football club. Oxford are a good role model for us to follow though. The club has been very well run, very well looked after and they’ve got those good young players coming through. That is something that I’d say we need to aspire to over the next ten years or so.
TICKETS
The game at the Hive kicks off at 3pm and admission prices have been cut for this game:
Adults £10, Over 65s and under 19s £5
COVERAGE
Live commentary will be available in Yellow Player HD, with video reaction from the key men to follow. There will be the usual report and match gallery right here at the home of Oxford United on the web, at the final whistle.
DORKING
A reminder that the U's conclude their pre-season next Tuesday evening when an Oxford United XI head for Dorking. Full preview to follow.