UNITED look to continue their recent improved form today at Bristol Rovers - the scene of one of last season's most embarrassing debacles, writes JON MURRAY.

It was last April when already-relegated Oxford visited the Memorial Stadium and were hammered 6-2. They lost one goalkeeper, Richard Knight, who was sent off, and almost lost a second, Phil Wilson, who was arguably lucky to stay on after a similar professional foul.

The crushing win failed to save Rovers from relegation or Gary Thompson from the sack in the summer. United boss David Kemp also lost his job.

But this is a very different Oxford United side under Mark Wright and quite a different Rovers line-up under their new manager, Gerry Francis.

And the U's go into today's Division 3 match buoyed by two good results this week.

Wright was waiting on the fitness of Jamie Brooks, who could return to the bench after injury.

However, Paul Tait is struggling with a hamstring strain he picked

up while warming up on Tuesday.

Manny Omoyinmi looks set to continue alongside Paul Moody up front, now that Andy Scott is sidelined until mid-November with his torn hamstring.

And Scott's isn't the only worrying injury.

"Joey Beauchamp's injury is worse than we first thought and he looks like he will need an operation on it, which will keep him out for a while," Wright said.

"But we have some good news in that Chris Hackett is well on his way back. He was working well in training, working on crossing and a few bits and pieces, and that gives me a chance to take a good look at him."

However, Hackett is thought to be still not match-fit and is unlikely to feature.

United have confirmed that Phil Bolland is available. He has picked up four, not five, bookings so far this season.

Rovers seem certain to be without striker Ross Weare (back injury), plus midfielders David Hillier (calf) and Ronnie Mauge (infection).

Boss Francis said: "Oxford have a very good squad of players and they've been playing well lately. I've had reports on them and I know it is going to be a very difficult game for us. They play in a similar style and physically they're very strong on and off the ball."

Bristol Rovers: (probable) Howie, Wilson, Thomson, Foster, Foran, Lopez, Gall, Pricthard, Bryant, Cameron, Ellington. Subs: Clarke, Hammond, Trought, Bubb, Hogg.

Oxford Utd: (probable) McCaldon, Guyett, Bolland, Hatswell, Stockley, Thomas, Savage, Whitehead, Ricketts, Moody, Omoyinmi. Subs from: Knight, Richardson, Tait, Gray, Folland, Brooks.