Key-man Constable could return
Oxford Utd v Kettering Town
Chris Wilder is desperate for his Oxford side to bounce back from midweek disappointment as they host Kettering Town at the Kassam Stadium on Saturday.
It will be no easy task for the U's with Kettering boasting the best away record in the conference. The Poppies have picked up twelve wins on the road during this campaign and despite a disappointing midweek loss to Cambridge, boss Lee Harper is full of confidence.
"There is no reason for us to go to Oxford and fear anything," he told the Evening Telegraph.
"We won't sit back and if you get an early goal at a place like that then the pressure on them just increases."
Elliott Charles could start again for the Poppies after making his full debut in midweek.
For the hosts Wilder has a tough decision to make with James Constable's return from injury still in doubt. Following the dismal loss to Hayes & Yeading in midweek, the inclusion of top-scorer Constable would provide the U's with a much needed boost. The Oxford boss however won't risk the front-man unnecessarily.
"I will not risk putting James out for the season and maybe longer just for the benefit of one game."
"But he'll come in and train and we'll work with him today and see how he is. But fingers crossed, he will be available on Saturday," Wilder told the Banbury Cake.
Anthony Tonkin returns from suspension and loan signing Lewis Chalmers will hope for his first start after coming off the bench midweek.
Adam Murray is likely to miss out with a back problem and Kevin Sandwith is unavailable due to a cracked rib. Alfie Potter will only return to training next week.
Posted: Friday , March 12, 2010