Oxford City have received a boost ahead of Saturday's FA Cup fourth qualifying round tie after Darren Pond made a quicker than expected recovery from an ankle injury.

It was thought the former Banbury midfielder would have to miss out on City's big day, but he is named among the substitutes.

City are without striker Andy Baird who has an ankle injury, and the ex-Oxford United duo of Dave Savage and Jamie Brooks, who are both cup-tied.

Player-manager Justin Merritt said: "He's probably not going to start, but he's on the bench.

"We've had two good training sessions this week and all the lads are buzzing.

"It's vital we start well and then you get your confidence. In pre-season we played a couple of Conference sides and they move the ball around a lot quicker than they do in our league, so it's something to be aware of."

Eastbourne welcome back their on-loan Millwall striker Lyle Taylor and defender Darren Baker.

Midfielders Mo Harkins and Nathan Crabb could play some part.

Former City defender Andy Ballard won't be facing his old club as he is out of favour with boss Garry Wilson.

On-loan defender Karleigh Osborne has been refused permission to play by parent club Brentford.

Should the game end in a draw, the replay will take place at Eastbourne on Tuesday (7.45pm).

Oxford C: from Harrison, Saulsbury, Davis, Jackman, Gunn, Bell, Redknap, Malone, Gardner, Faulconbridge, Faulkner, Lyon, Quegan, Rickson, Rendell, Stewart, Pond.