Oxford United turn their attention to the FA Cup this weekend when Grimsby visit Grenoble Road.
The U’s edged past National League strugglers Maidenhead in the first round while the League Two Mariners needed a replay to get past Slough Town.
Oxford are yet to win in their two league games under new head coach Des Buckingham, losing at Cheltenham before a goalless draw against league leaders, Bolton.
Grimsby are also under new management, with David Artell picking up a draw at MK Dons in his first game in charge – a result which moved them up one place to 20th. The Mariners are unbeaten in their last six games in all competitions but four have ended level.
Ruben Rodrigues is back in contention for Oxford after his one-game suspension and Marcus Browne may be available after missing much of the season with injury, but the U’s are still without Greg Leigh and Sam Long. Fin Stevens, who is on loan from Brentford, was asked not to play by his parent club in the first round.
Artell is without Charles Vernam but Michee Efete and Evan Khouri could be available.
It was also an FA Cup fixture when the two teams last met back in 2014, with the U’s winning 3-1 on the road. However, Oxford were without a win in the previous six meetings with the Mariners winning on both occasions they have played at Grenoble Road.
Predicted line-up: James Beadle, Ciaron Brown, Stephan Negru, Elliott Moore, Kyle Edwards, Josh McEachran, Cameron Brannagan, Josh Murphy, Tyler Goodrham, Sonny Perkins, Mark Harris.
Prediction: Oxford United 2-0 Grimsby Town
