Adver Sport's guide to Swindon Town's next opponents in the EFL Trophy - Oxford United.

THE CHALKBOARD

AFTER getting the better of Swindon Town at the Kassam Stadium on September 10, Michael Appleton’s side have just picked up their first victory since that derby day triumph with a 2-0 win over Bolton Wanderers.

Tonight’s Checkatrade Trophy clash is something of a conundrum for the managers of each side, with the temptation to make changes and hand players lacking in match-time vital minutes contradicted by the tie’s status as a local derby.

Last season, Appleton retained his strongest squad for cup competitions but with the increased intensity of League One, the Kassam Stadium chief is expected to ring a few changes to keep his most vital troops wrapped in cotton wool.

Loanee Tyler Roberts, 17, scored in the last round and is expected to feature again.

Swindon Advertiser:
Tyler Roberts (PICTURE: DAVID FLEMING)

LIKELY LINE-UP

Swindon Advertiser:

MAN IN FORM - Chris Maguire

A MAN seemingly specialising in having the last laugh, Oxford’s Chris Maguire is unlikely to receive a warm reception from the County Ground faithful tonight.

The two-time Scotland international was at the heart of things when the U’s beat Town 2-0 in League One last month, scoring both goals, but his reaction to notching Oxford’s opener from the penalty spot was one of the enduring moments of the match.

The winger chose to direct his celebrations towards the travelling supporters at the Kassam Stadium and earned plenty of ire in return.

Regardless, there’s no doubting the 27-year-old’s current form.

Since his double against Swindon, Maguire has found the net against Charlton Athletic and Bolton Wanderers, taking his tally to six goals in 13 appearances.

Swindon Advertiser:
Chris Maguire (centre)

TREATMENT ROOM

CURTIS Nelson won’t be making his mooted return to action when Oxford rock up at the County Ground.

The 23-year-old defender was one of 14 incomings at the Kassam Stadium over the summer, with Nelson earning a move to League One with the U’s after captaining promotion rivals Plymouth Argyle to the League Two play-off final, where they were beaten 2-0 by AFC Wimbledon.

The former Stoke City trainee was viewed as a major signing for Oxford but his start to life in a yellow shirt has been hampered by a foot injury.

Nelson has managed just three appearances for the U’s so far but tonight’s derby comes too soon.

Fellow defender Christian Ribeiro (ankle) and winger Rob Hall (knee) remain long-term absentees, with Ryan Ledson also out after tearing cartilage in his knees during the warm-up before the U’s loss to Southend last week.

Goalie Benjamin Büchel is away on international duty with Lichtenstein.

Swindon Advertiser:
Curtis Nelson (PICTURE: DAVID FLEMING)

OPPO FORM GUIDE

Sat, Oct 1 - SKY BET LEAGUE ONE - 2-0 WIN V BOLTON (A)

Tue, Sep 27 - SKY BET LEAGUE ONE - 2-1 LOSS V SOUTHEND (A)

Sat, Sep 24 - SKY BET LEAGUE ONE - 1-1 DRAW V CHARLTON (H)

Sat, Sep 17 - SKY BET LEAGUE ONE - 0-0 DRAW V MK DONS (A)

Sat, Sep 10 - SKY BET LEAGUE ONE - 2-0 WIN V SWINDON (H)

GOALSCORERS

Chris Maguire 5; Wes Thomas 4; Kane Hemmings 3

DISCIPLINE

Sam Long 1R, 1Y; John Lundstram 4Y; Chris Maguire 3Y

THE STAT

1,961 fans were at Town’s opening Checkatrade Trophy clash with Chelsea on September 13 – that attendance was well above the average crowd of 1,450 that watched round one matches in August.