Oxford United take on Oxford City on Saturday as they begin both pre-season and the Pep Clotet era.
The Spanish Manager will take a watching brief at the City Stadium, with Derek Fazackerley picking the team to allow Clotet to observe all of the first team squad in action.
Wes Thomas makes his return after an Achilles injury while Scott Shearer, Fiacre Kelleher and Jon Obika will be the new faces in the squad. Aaron Martin is ahead of schedule and doing well but will not be risked so early after a similar injury to Thomas, while a finger injury keeps young keeper Manny Agboola out of contention.
Sam Long has had a couple of minor niggles this week and may sit the game out as a precaution while midfielder Josh Ashby will travel to Portugal with the squad on Sunday to continue his rehab after a knee injury.
Every other player is likely to feature at some stage on City’s excellent new 3G surface which will be officially opened at 1.15pm with kick off at 3pm.
The U’s will be wearing their brand new black away kit, unveiled this morning and already a big hit with supporters. A special Club Shop will be at the City Stadium selling the new away kit in all sizes.
There will be a live band playing before the game and the bar at City’s ground has been completely refurbished ahead of what should be a fantastic occasion.
With a very large crowd expected, please park responsibly and we suggest getting there early to enjoy the sun and City’s hospitality before the game.
It’s pre-season on the new website as well. We will be trialling a new matchday reporting style, looking to add to the experience alongside our usual social media coverage and video interviews.