Oxford United vs Newport County - Oxford chief Michael Appleton likely to keep same side

Posted Monday, November 23, 2015 by PA

Oxford manager Michael Appleton is expected to name an unchanged side for their League Two clash at home with Newport.

United beat Dagenham 1-0 with an impressive defensive display making it their third win in a row and securing them second place in the league.

Johnny Mullins was fully recovered from his dead leg and helped keep a clean sheet for the team but captain Jack Wright is still unavailable as he continues to recover from an ongoing back problem.

Appleton said: "We have to stay professional and the players have been good at that. They've been good at moving on from a result and getting ready and focused for the next one."

Newport have no new injury concerns and defender Andrew Hughes, who missed 11 months with an anterior cruciate ligament injury, played 90 minutes against Yeovil last weekend and is set for a second start in four days.

Striker Zak Ansah is available but the clock is ticking on his loan deal from Charlton as he is due to return to The Valley at the start of December.

Newport manager John Sheridan is hopeful of signing a striker this week, but doesn't expect to make headway in time for the visit to the Kassam Stadium.

Only long-term absentee Nathan Ralph remains sidelined as the Exiles seek to extend an unbeaten seven-game run in league and cup.