Oxford City boss Justin Merritt is eyeing an FA Trophy upset when his side entertain Vanarama Conference high-fliers Woking in the second round tomorrow, writes Matthew Bruce.

The visitors, who have five ex-Oxford United stars in their squad, including James Clarke, Scott Rendell, Dean Morgan, Josh Payne and Jake Cole, are sixth in the Conference, but Merritt says City are not intimidated.

“We’re not expected to win, but it means we can go out there and play with freedom and maybe cause an upset,” he said.

“They’re the favourites, but that brings expectation and pressure.

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“We were in the same situation in previous rounds against Lewes and down at Wimborne and we coped well with it.

“Now we’re the underdogs and we’re looking forward to it.

“We would love to claim a Conference scalp and I think it would really put us on the map.

“It’s a game to look forward to rather than to fear.”

City will be without full-backs Paul Stonehouse and Lee Henderson due to suspension.

Stonehouse serves his one-match ban after picking up two bookings in City’s Boxing Day defeat at Leamington, while Henderson starts a three-match suspension after he was dismissed for violent conduct against Hyde last month.

Javier Rodriguez also misses out as he has to return to Spain to sit an exam, leaving Merritt’s options limited.

He said: “It’s difficult but when someone’s unavailable it opens up an opportunity for others to get into the team.

“We have a strong squad and everyone gets on well, so it’s a very competitive environment, but in the right way.

“You can never compete for anything with just a basic starting 11, so this will be a true test of our squad.”

City could be boosted by the return of Marlon Jackson from an ankle injury.

Captain Darren Mullings – out for a month with a thigh problem – could also return, if he passes a fitness test.

TOMORROW’S SQUAD

Oxford City (v Woking, home): from De La Cruz, Scott, Del Alamo, Lapoujade, Santiago, Pond, Rodriguez, Winters, Yussuf, Barcelos, Wilson, Benjamin, Insa, Fofana, Murombedzi, Pearson, Jackson, Mullings.

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