Injury and unavailability have combined to leave Oxford United short on strikers ahead of today’s FA Cup second round clash against Tranmere Rovers.

On-loan Tyrone Barnett is the only out-and-out centre forward able to play at the Kassam Stadium as the U’s bid to reach the third round three years in a row.

James Roberts (hamstring) and Will Hoskins (groin) are injured, while new signings Wes Burns and John Campbell are cup tied, along with centre back Chey Dunkley.

In the case of Patrick Hoban, he is both injured (ankle) and ineligible.

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It is a problem for Michael Appleton, but the head coach has faith in Barnett, who scored in the 1-1 draw at Cheltenham Town a week ago.

He said: “We’re a bit limited in terms of players available, which we can’t do much about.

“But it’s an opportunity for Ty again. He got his goal last week in a very good performance and we just have to work our way through that area over the coming weeks.”

It is less than two months since Tranmere were beaten 2-0 in Sky Bet League Two at the Kassam Stadium.

The victory was United’s most comfortable this season, but Rovers are making progress under new boss Micky Adams.

Appleton thinks the league game will have little bearing on today’s clash, with the visitors undergoing many changes in between the meetings.

He said: “They got their first win for a while against Ports-mouth last weekend, so will come buoyant and hoping to get a bit of momentum to take into the league.

“It will be a tough cup tie and I genuinely think they will come fancying themselves and that probably suits us.”

Tranmere will have to make one change from their win over Portsmouth, where defender Will Aimson broke a leg.

Their four other loan players are clear to play, though, while the squad’s only other injury is to full back Matt Hill (knee).

Meanwhile, United have decided against raising ticket prices for today’s game for those paying on the gate.

It means it will still cost £10 for adults and £5 for under 16s/over 65s, instead of the £2 additional charge first advertised.

TODAY'S SQUADS

Oxford Utd: from Clarke, Riley, Mullins, Wright, Holmes-Dennis, Whing, Rose, O'Dowda, Potter, Hylton, Barnett, Howard, Shama, Collins, Meades, Ruffels, Raynes, Crocombe.
Tranmere Rov: from Fon Williams, Donacien, Holness, Ihiekwe, Holmes, Power, Jennings, Rowe, Ridehalgh, Fenelon, Stockton, Odejayi, Madjo, Jahraldo-Martin, Laird, Koumas, Kirby, Pilling.

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