A lack of strikers will not stop Oxford United going on the attack against Tranmere Rovers in their FA Cup second round replay tonight, says head coach Michael Appleton.

There is plenty on the line at Prenton Park, with the winners earning a third-round tie at home to Swansea City in the new year.

United’s challenge is not helped by the loss of Tyrone Barnett, who scored both their goals in the 2-2 draw at the Kassam Stadium, but has now returned to Peterborough United after his loan expired.

Fellow forwards Wes Burns and John Campbell are cup-tied, along with centre back Chey Dunkley, while it is still too early for James Roberts and Will Hoskins, who are returning from injuries.

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It is not ideal, but Appleton will not be sending out a side with the intention of sitting back and looking to nick a goal on the break.

He said: “There will be changes, but certainly we’re going to have a right go at Tranmere.

“It’s a cup tie and a one-off, the last thing we want is extra time and penalties.

“We’re going to go there with a pretty attacking team and see what happens. It’s like picking two teams for two different competitions.

“I suppose I know what Jose Mourinho and Arsene Wenger have got with their Champions League sides and league teams.

“There are players I’d love to be available for Tuesday, but unfortunately they’re not.”

It will almost certainly mean top scorer Danny Hylton leads the line, while Alfie Potter and Callum O’Dowda are likely to start on the flanks.

United felt aggrieved a goal from Hylton, which would have put them 3-1 up in the original game, was disallowed for offside.

Appleton is not planning to use the perceived injustice to motivate the players tonight.

He said: “I’ll be telling them if I was sat where they are I’d want to be playing against Swansea on January 3, end of story.”

Tranmere could stick with the side which won 1-0 at Dagenham & Redbridge on Saturday when Jason Koumas was missing with injury.

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