Championship 1 Preview: Oxford v Rochdale Hornets

Brett Robinson serves a one-match ban for Oxford, while Shaun Robinson (leg), Martin Roden (hamstring) and Danny Halliwell (bicep) all face fitness tests.

Alex Thompson (ankle) and Chris Clarke (ankle) are both still sidelined.

Oxford coach Tony Benson has called for his team to be more ruthless, despite collecting their fourth league win of the season last week.

Benson said: “We played pretty well, but there were a couple of errors at crucial times that made a difference and we got punished for them.”

However, Benson admits he is pleased with the progress of a number of his inexperienced players. “There are quite a few coming through that are getting better every week and are really committed to the levels they need to be at.”

Rochdale Hornets coach Ian Talbot with check on Gareth Langley (knee) and Jordan Case, but Paul Crook could return and new signing Matty Crow could make his debut after joining from Wigan Warriors.

Talbot said: “I’ve coached against Matty in the U20s and he’s athletic, strong, quick and has all the attributes you’d want of someone who’s come through the set-up at Wigan.

“He’s got nowhere to play at the moment due to the restructuring of the competitions, but he wants to test himself at this level and we’re pleased to have got him on board.”