Dean Whitehead, who scored twice in the 4-0 win at Bury in October, looks set to return - either into the midfield or at right wingback - for United's game against the Shakers at the Kassam Stadium today (February 21).

"When Deano's on song and has got his mind on it, he's a very good player," manager Ian Atkins said. "He's had a breather and will come back refreshed. He has looked sharp in training this week."

Matt Bound could also come back on the left side of the three-man defence if United's manager feels Jon Ashton could do with a rest.

It's not often that a player is dropped after scoring with his last touch, but that was the case with Bound, following his injury-time free-kick goal at Hull.

Ashton picked up his fifth yellow card in the 1-0 defeat at Yeovil last weekend, which means he misses United's match at Bristol Rovers next Saturday, February 28.

The United camp, and their fans, will also have one eye on events at Field Mill, where fourth-placed Mansfield face second-placed Doncaster.

"I suppose I'd like Doncaster to win that one, rather than it being a draw," stated United's manager, "because we could then be six points clear of fourth place again.

"But I'm expecting Bury to be a tough game. They've got a lot of experience in their team now and we have to remember they're still in trouble, so they need the points.

"Dave Challinor's throws will come in from all angles and we've got to be able to deal with them."

Colin Woodthorpe returns to Bury's defence after suspension. Also added to the squad are Lee Unsworth, who came through a reserve game following a recent hernia operation, and Harpel Singh, on loan from Leeds.

Oxford Utd: (from) Woodman, McNiven, Ashton, Crosby, McCarthy, Robinson, Wanless, Hunt, Rawle, Alsop, Basham, Whitehead, Bound, Steele, Scott, Louis, Hackett, Brown, Waterman.

Bury: (probable) Garner, Connell, Challinor, Swailes, Woodthorpe, Kennedy, Dunfield, Duxbury, Flitcroft, Seddon, Daley. Subs from: Unsworth, Whaley, O'Shaugnessy, Porter, Solly, Singh.