Mansfield Town vs Oxford United preview - Green could boost Stags' party

Posted Friday, August 21, 2015 by PA

Mansfield hope to have Matt Green back in contention for the visit of Oxford.

Green suffered a back injury during the win at Notts County last weekend and subsequently missed the defeat at Accrington on Tuesday night but Stags boss Adam Murray is optimistic the striker will recover in time for Saturday's match.

Murray will also check on goalkeeper Scott Shearer, who has sat out the last two games with a virus that is causing his ankle to swell. Should the problem persist, Brian Jensen will retain the gloves.

Central defender Lee Collins fit again after a foot injury but Krystian Pearce and Ryan Tafazolli are currently blocking his route back into the starting line-up.

Callum O'Dowda will hope to come into Oxford's starting line-up.

Patrick Hoban was rewarded with a place in the U's team for the midweek clash against Notts County but was taken off after half-an-hour of a poor performance to replaced by O'Dowda, who scored in a 3-1 success.

Midfielder John Lundstram made his debut off the bench in that fixture but boss Michael Appleton is unlikely to tinker with his in-form side too much so he may have to settle for another spot among the replacements.

Oxford, who have no injury or suspension issues, are unbeaten in their four games in league and cup to date.