Oxford vs Bristol Rovers preview
Friday 28 December 2018 10:58, UK
Oxford manager Karl Robinson could freshen up his side for the visit of Bristol Rovers.
Robinson named the same starting XI for the seventh successive Sky Bet League One game on Boxing Day when a 1-0 home defeat to Southend handed them only their second defeat in 17 games.
Luke Garbutt, Tony McMahon and Sam Smith are options for Robinson with the festive fixtures coming thick and fast.
Ricky Holmes (back) hopes to rejoin the squad, but former England Under-17 winger Jordan Graham will not be available until next week when his loan move from Wolves is officially completed.
Caretaker Rovers boss Graham Coughlan hopes to name an unchanged side for the second successive game.
Back-to-back wins for the first time this season have lifted Rovers out of the relegation zone.
But Tareiq Holmes-Dennis had some swelling on a knee before the Boxing Day win at Walsall and his fitness must be assessed.
Liam Sercombe's return from injury has boosted Rovers during the congested holiday programme.
Opta stats
Oxford have lost each of their last five home league games against Bristol Rovers - they've never lost six in a row at home against any side in the Football League.
Oxford haven't won in the league at the Kassam against Bristol Rovers since October 2011 when they completed a run of three successive home victories against the Pirates.
None of Oxford United's last 15 home league games have been drawn, with the U's winning eight and losing seven since a 0-0 draw with Oldham in April.
Bristol Rovers have won both of their last two league games; they haven't won three in a row since May 2016 when they were in League Two.
James Henry has been directly involved in eight of Oxford's last 14 league goals, scoring six and assisting two.
