Top scorer Danny Hylton and Brian Howard are expected to have recovered from midweek knocks to start for Oxford United today.

Hylton (buttock) and Howard (ankle) had to be substituted in Tuesday’s 3-1 win over Accrington Stanley.

But assistant head coach Derek Fazackerley is optimistic the pair will be fit to feature against Stevenage.

He said: “Danny Hylton has started the season on fire, and at the moment we’re not anticipating many problems.

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“We’ll reassess that and it’s the same with Brian Howard, who took a slight knock on an ankle and came off as a precaution.

“I think he should be OK.”

It means U’s boss Michael Appleton could name an unchanged side, with only the three long-term absentees – Ryan Clarke, Andy Whing and Will Hoskins – missing.

Jon Meades is available again after serving a three-game ban following a red card against Cheltenham Town.

Stevenage have a host of problems, starting with suspensions for Ryan Johnson and Andy Bond.

Former U’s defender Harry Worley is among a long injury list, which also includes striker Calvin Zola and midfielder Simon Walton.

Today's squads

Oxford Utd: from G Long, Riley, Mullins, Wright, Newey, Collins, Ruffels, Hylton, Howard, O'Dowda, Barnett, Morris, Brown, Jakubiak, Potter, Rose, Meades, Raynes, Hunt, Crocombe.
Stevenage: from Beasant, Henry, Wells, Charles, Dembele, Whelpdale, Pett, Lee, Conlon, Marriott, Beardsley, Day, Ashton, Lancaster, Deacon, Calcutt, Richens, Casey, Ball.

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