Oxford Utd V Chesterfield at The Kassam Stadium : Match Preview

15 March 2013 13:31
Oxford Utd V Chesterfield - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game live.


Pittman boost for U's

Oxford striker Jon-Paul Pittman could make a welcome return to action when Chesterfield arrive at the Kassam on Saturday.

The former Crawley and Wycombe forward has been missing since December after dislocating a shoulder and after working hard to return to full fitness he has trained every day this week with no adverse reaction.

"He has done really well," assistant manager Mickey Lewis told the club's official website. "He looks strong and is up to just about full speed in training, so he is very much in our thoughts for the run-in."

Liam Davis and Deane Smalley both stepped off the bench in the 1-0 victory over Barnet in midweek and they are pushing for starts as Oxford look for their fourth win in five games.

The U's remain without long-term injury victims goalkeeper Ryan Clarke (shoulder), striker Justin Richards (knee) and midfielder Peter Leven (knee).

Drew Talbot comes back into the reckoning for Chesterfield.

Talbot missed the 2-0 home win over Bristol Rovers last Saturday with a virus.

The 26-year-old could be considered for a spot at full-back or on the wing, meaning Richard Brindley and Conor Townsend are the players most under threat in the starting line-up.

Tendayi Darikwa continued his return to fitness following a double hernia operation with a run-out for the reserves this week and the winger is also back in contention for a starting role.

Oxford include three former Spireites among their ranks in Smalley, Andy Whing and Leven and their former side really need to win at the Kassam Stadium to keep their fading play-off hopes alive.

Source: PA