Oxford v Bristol Rovers preview

Forward Ryan Taylor and goalkeeper Sam Slocombe should be available for Oxford in their Sky Bet League 2 clash against Bristol Rovers.

The duo were both rested for Oxford's impressive 2-0 victory against Millwall in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy semi-final at the New Den on Thursday night.

Manager Michael Appleton, whose side recorded a famous FA Cup third-round win against Swansea on Sunday, has no fresh injury concerns heading into the match.

Oxford have lost just once in their last 21 home games in all competitions.

New signing Rory Gaffney will go straight into the Bristol Rovers squad after joining from Cambridge for an undisclosed fee.

The 26-year-old Irishman impressed during his recent one-month loan spell at the Memorial Stadium, scoring five goals in seven games, and Rovers made the move permanent on Thursday.

Rovers manager Darrell Clarke said: "It goes without saying that I am very pleased to welcome Rory back to the Memorial Stadium on a permanent basis. Now I look forward to working with him again and I know that he will be welcomed back by the whole squad as we prepare for some very important matches."

Goalkeeper Will Puddy is absent again through injury but otherwise Clarke has a full-strength squad to choose from as the Pirates look to continue their promotion push.