Darren Patterson is urging his Oxford United players to show their character at Stafford today.

He is hoping they can bounce back from last week's home defeat by Burton and show that was just a blip.

Fans were very critical of some individuals last time out, so the U's boss says mental toughness will be needed at Marston Road, even though Stafford have won only once at home all season.

"I'm a strong character and I'll be asking my players to be the same on Saturday," said Patterson.

"Stafford have got nothing to lose, but will have a go. They have a new manager and it's a so-called banana skin where we're supposed to go there and win easily.

"That hasn't been the case all season so it will be tough, but my expectation is to go there and get a result."

Seven days ago, United supporters showed their disgust by a constant banging of seats during the second half of the 3-0 defeat, but until then most of the players Patterson has put faith in had done well.

"The mood changed from the outside, I think, because of the results against Forest Green, when we should have won, and we should have got at least a draw against Cambridge," he said.

"I think people could see the play-offs ebbing away, and that was a frustration from the fans, and it's understandable.

"But with the lads there shouldn't be any frustrations, they're well paid, we have a fantastic set-up and it's a great place to be, so there can be no excuses, regardless of whether there's anything left to play for this season.

"There's pride, and to play for the jersey, that should be first and foremost, to keep themselves in the team.

"When we trained, there were a few of them who were quite anxious, I've got to say, but that's understandable because of last week.

"We've just got to get to Stafford and give the type of performance we consistently have, before last week."

Matt Day is expected to take over at right back from James Clarke, who is banned for one game after his red card last weekend.

Alex Fisher has been recalled from his loan spell with Brackley Town and is added to the squad.

Rangers have had three strikers under treatment this week - Marco Adaggio, Del Olaoye and Nathan Smith, with Adaggio standing the best chance of playing.

Another forward, 19- year-old Liam Hughes, who is on loan from Wolves and scored a lot of goals for Wolves' reserves, is also a doubt because of a groin strain.

Patterson was a teammate of Stafford's new manager Steve Bull when they were both at The Hawthorns.

He recalled: "I was an apprentice at West Brom when Bully was there and he was banging in the goals for the reserves and was in and around the first team.

"It was no surprise that he got a move to Wolves, and obviously the rest is history. He's had an absolutely fantastic career and been a credit to Wolves, the club he loves and where he's a legend."

Stafford Rangers: (from) Alcock, Sutton, Daniel, Djoumin, Flynn, Arnolin, Draper, Street, Reid, Grayson, Olaoye, Shaw, Jarrett, Allen, Meakin-Richards, Dodd, Hughes, Adaggio, Smith.

Oxford Utd:(from) Turley, Day, Quinn, Foster, Howard, Hand, Hutchinson, Murray, Blackwood, McAllister, Green, Richards, Anaclet, Odubade, Trainer, Fisher, Rose, Pettefer.