PREVIEW Oxford United v Northampton Town

Oxford United welcome Northampton Town tonight in their second game of this season's Checkatrade Trophy (7.45pm)

Team News

The U's welcome Simon Eastwood back into the starting line up this evening. United's number 1 has been ruled out since the first game of the season with a finger injury but has trained well and comes back into the side in place of Jonathan Mitchell. Samir Carruthers is also likely to feature after recovering from a knee injury sustained on the opening day at Barnsley.

With Marcus Browne also back in training United are only missing Rob Hall, who will be out until the new year but is making good progress from his knee injury, and Cameron Norman who is unlikely to be risked after a blow to the head last Thursday against Swansea- the usual time out is a week after a head injury. 

Shandon Baptiste returns after suspension but Gavin Whyte is away with Northern Ireland while young midfielder Tsun Dai is also away on international duty, flying out today to join the China U21 squad for a training camp in Amsterdam.

See Karl Robinson and Shandon Baptiste previewing the game in iFollow right now.

The Opposition

Northampton have struggled in League 2 this season and are without central defenders Ash Taylor and Leon Barnett tonight as Manager Keith Curle looks at all of his options

Ultimately we want to win games, we need to win games, and that is what we are working towards,” said Curle, who is also set to be without striker Junior Morias  (hamstring)

“We are still in the process of laying foundations and benchmarks, putting the pillars in place of what we are trying to do. We are exploring what is in the changing room. I know their names, and I know their characteristics, but I still don’t fully know how they react to putting them under the spotlight and the demands that I want from within the team framework.

“There are still players in the squad that haven’t been given the opportunity yet, but whether it’s a cup competition or a league game, I don’t give shirts away cheaply.

Tickets

Prices are reduced tonight to

    1893 Club
Adults £10 £20
Over 65 £5 £15
18-21 £5 £15
U18 £5 £15
U13 £5 £10
U7 £1 £10

Please note that the Central blocks of South West Upper, South East Lower and the East Stand are open but South East Upper and South West Lower and the home areas in the North stand will be closed. The North Stand will be open to away fans only. 

Season ticket holders seats are NOT reserved.

Club Shop

The Club Shop has taken stock of all sizes of the brilliant new home shirt. Why not call in before the game to grab a yellow shirt? Or you can order online at oufcshop.co.uk

Family

Oxford United pride ourselves on providing a great atmosphere for families to enjoy. We have a full Family Guide to games available HERE: OUFC Family Guide

Family Room

The Family Room is not open this evening - it is open for all Saturday home games but not usually for midweek fixtures. 

Coverage

iFollow is available with the full game LIVE to see wherever you are. There will also be reaction from the key men after the game, and you can follow all the action on Twitter at @OUFCOfficial.