PEP Clotet is not planning to make many changes when Oxford United visit Port Vale in the Emirates FA Cup tomorrow night.
As a higher-ranked side, there could be the temptation to rest key players and give those on the fringes an opportunity.
While Clotet is unlikely to name an unchanged side from last weekend’s 2-0 defeat at Fleetwood Town in Sky Bet League One, the United boss is intending to treat the competition with the utmost respect.
He said: “I know everyone wants to get involved, but we will take the same approach as we’ve had in the league, so I don’t expect many changes.
“For us it’s an important game and we want to put the bad result we had at the weekend behind us.”
Ricardinho missed the Fleetwood defeat with a calf problem.
While the left back is available again after returning to training, Clotet is expected to tread carefully with the Brazilian.
It is likely to mean Dwight Tiendalli, who replaced Ricardinho, continues in the starting XI.
Rob Hall, an unused substitute at Highbury, is among those pushing for a recall after the winger’s recovery from a groin strain.
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