Live Commentary

Gannon ponders options Manager Jim Gannon must decide whether to stick or twist with his starting XI as Port Vale welcome Oxford. Gannon made one change for Tuesday`s 2-2 draw at Shrewsbury, handing a deserved recall to Louis Dodds following his impressive winner against Macclesfield last weekend. And, although they certainly put in a shift at the Greenhous Meadow, the half-time introduction of the returning Gary Roberts and fellow midfielder Rob Taylor added something extra to Vale`s play. Gannon is not expected to have any new injury or suspension concerns as the Valiants look to continue their recent form which has seen them lose just one of their last eight games. Centre-back Gareth Owen (ankle) continues to work his way back to full fitness but the clash is likely to come too soon for him. Meanwhile, captain and leading scorer Marc Richards is aiming for his 100th goal in senior football having reached 98 with Tuesday`s brace at Shrewsbury. Oxford will be without the suspended Anthony Tonkin for the trip. The defender was sent off for two bookable offences against Stockport last weekend and will serve a one-match suspension. United boss Chris Wilder named an unchanged side for a fourth consecutive game against the Hatters, but after the 2-1 defeat he is likely to make changes. If Wilder opts to change his defence, Ben Purkiss and Djoumin Sangare are waiting in the wings for a recall as the Us try to end a run of three successive defeats. Midfielder Simon Clist and striker Alfie Potter are pushing for starts after coming off the bench at Edgeley Park. Simon Heslop and Asa Hall scored for the reserves in midweek and should retain their places in midfield.