Oxford United manager Ian Atkins admits the time may be right to freshen up the team.

Ian AtkinsBut he is also conscious of not disrupting the continuity too much when the side are on such a long unbeaten run.

As he prepares his squad for this Saturday's top-of-the-table clash at new Division 3 leaders Hull City, the U's boss says he is aware that a couple of players have lost their edge in recent matches.

The side have defended well to keep clean sheets in the last three games, but successive goalless draws have also indicated a dip in the team's attacking effectiveness.

"One or two have gone off the boil in certain areas," said Atkins. "Then again, there are going to be 23,000 screaming fans there at Hull and it will be a time for strong characters.

"We've not played as well as we can in the last couple of games, but the beauty of it is that we have never looked in any danger."

Tellingly, however, Atkins hinted that he didn't want to run the risk of making changes too late when he is starting to see signs that concern him.

"We've got results, but looked a bit stale in certain areas," Atkins added.

"So it may be time to freshen up one or two areas and I may do it on Saturday.

"I don't want to wait until a defeat to do it.

"It won't be knocking anybody if they're left out on Saturday, it will just be because I feel a change is needed."

Mark Rawle or Richie Foran could come in for Jefferson Louis or Steve Basham.

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