Chris Wilder admits he faces some big decisions as he looks for his Oxford United side to get back to winning ways at the expense of today’s visitors Gillingham.
With centre half Jake Wright back after serving a three-match ban for his sending off at Bradford, the U’s boss has to decide whether to pair him with on-loan Bury defender Ben Futcher or Harry Worley.
But a tougher call revolves around James Constable.
United’s leading scorer is fit again after recovering from a virus that forced him to miss the FA Cup defeat at Burton a fortnight ago.
Constable, who came on as a substitute against Rotherham last week, is expected to come straight back into the starting line-up, but if he does, Wilder must decide whether to give him the captain’s armband, or stick with on-loan midfielder Paul Wotton.
“Jake Wright comes back in, so someone will have to step down,” said Wilder, who has a fully-fit squad to choose from.
“Constable is available for selection and has been training all week. So I have some decisions to make.
“We’re not happy with the recent results and we have to make sure we get ourselves back in contention.”
Today’s game is a battle of the out-of-form sides – the U’s have lost their last four matches in all competitions, while Gillingham haven’t won for five league games.
And the Gills’ away record is worse. They have not won away from Priestfield Stadium for 30 league games.
Defender Wright says he can’t wait to get back in action.
“It’s been a frustrating time,” he said. “I missed six weeks with my back injury and then I was out for three games through suspension.
“I’m feeling really good and I’m looking forward to playing again. We always get a good crowd at home – we have got brilliant fans – and hopefully we can give them something to cheer about.”
For Gillingham, defender Matt Lawrence replaces Callum Davies, who is banned after his red card against Crewe last weekend, but Danny Spiller and John Nutter are back from suspension.
Oxford Utd: from Clarke, Purkiss, Wright, Futcher, Tonkin, Wotton, J Payne, Clist, Constable, Craddock, Maclean, Potter, Heslop, Eastwood, Hall, Worley, Batt, Kinniburgh, Green, Baker, Cole, Franks.
Gillingham: from Julian, Fuller, Sinclair, Lawrence, Kennedy, Whelpdale, Spiller, Lee, Palmer, McDonald, Akinfenwa, Cronin, S Payne, Miller, Jackman, Nutter.
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