Oxford United will be looking to reach the FA Cup fourth round for the first time in three years but need to get past non-league Hartlepool United this weekend.
The U’s have been in devastating form and, despite defeat at Doncaster Rovers on New Year’s Day, Karl Robinson’s side sits 4th in League One having lost just twice from 16 league games.
Hartlepool, who last reached the fourth round eleven years ago, have won just twice from their last ten league games and find themselves 16th in the Conference Premier.
Oxford knocked out non-league Hayes and Yeading United in the first round before edging past League Two Walsall in the second, with both games on the road.
Hartlepool won 4-1 away at league rivals Yeovil Town in the first round, before needing a replay against League Two Exeter City in the second round after a 2-2 draw on the road.
Oxford will be without Cameron Brannagan who sat out the Donny defeat but face no new injury concerns. However, they will be without right-back Chris Cadden who has returned to Columbus Crew after his season-long loan was cut short.
Former U’s defender Michael Raynes turns out for Pools these days and has made 26 appearances this season. Gime Toure is the clubs top scorer this season with eleven, while midfielder Gavan Holohan has scored six from 18 appearances.
The U’s won both fixtures when the two sides met in League Two during the 2015/16 season, with the Pools securing just one win in their last six meetings.
Predicted line-up: Jordan Archer, Josh Ruffels, Elliott Moore, Rob Dickie, Sam Long, Alex Rodriguez Gorrin, Shandon Baptiste, James Henry, Mark Sykes, Dan Agyei, Matty Taylor.
Prediction: Oxford United 2-0 Hartlepool United
