A huge crowd and a huge day await Oxford United as we head for Newcastle United in the FA Cup on Saturday.
TEAM NEWS
United are without James Henry, Ben Woodburn, Cameron Brannagan, Matty Taylor, Anthony Forde and Malachi Napa through injury, but midfielder George Thorne is fully fit and may return to the squad after signing on a permanent deal from Derby earlier in the week.
Forward Rob Hall joined Forest Green Rovers on loan earlier today after signing a new one-year contract with the U's, while Jamie Hanson did well in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Southend in midweek and could be involved. Liam Kelly also played 90 minutes in that game, while Dan Agyei was on the scoresheet; both will be hoping for a chance.
See Karl Robinson previewing the game in iFollow right now.
THE OPPOSITION
United are likely to face a full-strength Newcastle side: "Rest them? I have nobody to rest!" Manager Steve Bruce said when asked about team selection for Saturday.
Midfielder Isaac Hayden was part of the Newcastle team beaten 3-0 at the Kassam Stadium three years ago and says that his team is determined not to suffer the same fate this time around.
"That wasn't a great day in a Newcastle shirt. That's probably up there with the top three worst games I think for me to be involved in a Newcastle shirt. But there was a lot of different factors that day. It's a completely different team, different staff, different manager, different stadium, so there's nothing you can draw comparison in with that game. It's up to us to be switched on and take the game seriously. Be focused as we would do for any other game.
“The FA Cup recent history has been poor from Newcastle, and it's definitely something we're looking to change,” he said. "With the manager coming in, he's had a change of attitude towards the FA Cup. The lads have bought into that and I think you've seen that from the last round that we're not taking it lightly."
TICKETS
With 49,000 tickets sold and over 3,700 away fans it will be busy on Saturday and fans are advised to arrive early and that there will be NO TICKETS AVAILABLE ON THE DAY.
There is still time: you can buy them on the phones from 01865 337533 or in person at the Oxford United Ticket Office until 3pm on Friday.
Away fans will be in Leazes Level 7 and tickets are priced at £10 (£5 for Under 18s, 65s and over and students in full-time education, £1 for under 12s).
Disabled supporters pay half the relevant price depending on age/category, with a free PA.
There are no restrictions on the numbers people can buy. Tickets (subject to availability) and collections will only be available from the Oxford United ticket office until 3pm on Friday 24th January at which time the ticket office will close. Tickets are no longer being posted out.
Under 12s can watch the game for just £1. If you have already purchased a £5 ticket for an under 12, then take your junior ticket to a concession and you can exchange it for a hot dog or vegetarian alternative.
Please note that tickets are reserved for particular seats and fans are required to sit in their numbered seat or risk ejection from the ground.
London Road Club Travel
Departs Stadium 6.45am
Kidlington 7.00am
Adult LRC Member £36
Adult Non-member £38
Under 18 LRC Member £34
Under 18 Non-member £36
Under 14s MUST be accompanied by a responsible adult and no alcohol is permitted on the coaches
Match and coach tickets are available from 01865 337533.
Supporters wishing to travel on the same coach must book together.
FOLLOW IT LIVE
If you can't get to the game then you can still hear it LIVE in iFollow if you are in the UK or SEE the whole game if you are overseas. We have coverage on Twitter, Instagram and the Match Live on this site with a report and Gallery right here on the final whistle.
THE PLAYLIST
Want to get in the mood for the game? Then search for Oxford United Official on Spotify where we bring you a new playlist for every away journey, plus the dressing room playlist. The Playlist is available on Saturday morning and is always flexible: let us know on Twitter if you have any more to add to help get the Yellow Army in the mood as we head for Newcastle.
