PREVIEW Oxford United v Wigan Athletic

Oxford United welcome Wigan Athletic to the Kassam Stadium on Saturday in Sky Bet League 1 (3pm)

The U's are without the suspended Jordan Thorniley after his dismissal in injury time during the win at MK Dons last Saturday.

The centre-half misses one game but the U's have cover in that area where Luke McNally was outstanding before Thorniley returned to the side, Sam Long performed admirably, John Mousinho did well in a friendly against Brentford in midweek and youngster James Golding also impressed in that game.

Jack Stevens made his return in the first 45 minutes on Tuesday but is unlikely to be risked as he continues his recovery from glandular fever. Kie Plumley is more likely to continue on the bench having celebrated signing his first pro deal this week.

Sam Winnall returned to the squad at MK after injury and is likely to feature again.

See Karl and Simon Eastwood previewing the game in iFollow.

THE OPPOSITION
Wigan captain Tendayi Darikwa echoed Karl Robinson’s pre match thoughts in urging fans coming along to look after each other tomorrow.

“We’ve all got families at home, and it’s important to keep doing the right things to limit the number of cases,” he said. “As players, we acknowledge the privileged position we’re in, we’re very fortunate to be role models for so many people. We’ll just keep doing our best – on and off the pitch – to do what we can to help the situation.

“The safety of the players, the staff and the fans has to be of paramount importance".

Wigan are unbeaten in 11 matches in all competitions with their last defeat coming at home against Lincoln in October.

Striker Charlie Wyke is the noticeable absentee while Jordan Cousins is a doubt. Striker Will Keane has netted nine goals so far while winger Callum Lang has scored 11.

The U’s have lost just once at home this season but Wigan lead the table on the road with 22 points on their travels so far.