Cliffhanger

United visit Dover in the first round of the FA Cup this Saturday in a rematch of the same stage in the 1981/82 tournament. United won 2-0 on that occasion and would be very happy for a repeat scoreline this season. That was also the last time that Dover faced league opposition in the Cup and they'll be desparate to ease their financial problems by getting through to the second round.

Oxford will definitely be making at least one change from the side that easily beat Rochdale last Saturday, as Adi Viveash has returned to Reading after prematurely completing his loan spell. United are likely to return to a flat back four, with Andy Crosby and Matt Bound in central defence and Scott McNiven and Matt Robinson in the full back positions. Ian Atkins is unlikely to want to change the front pair after their fine display against Dale, and so David Oldfield and Steve Basham look set to continue in attack. Bobby Ford could be fit to return to the midfield, in which case Dean Whitehead will probably move to the wide right position with Dave Savage on the left. This would give United a solid defensive look to the centre although would be a tad unadventurous, but we just can't see Atkins starting the game with either Paul Powell or Chris Hackett on the wings.

Former United players to have plied their trade under the White Cliffs include Dave Leworthy and Chris Allen but there are no current links there. Dover should be near to full strength, with only Nicky Humphrey definitely out and Darren Davies doubtful. They are second in the Dr Marten's League Premier Division. With uncharacteristic optimism Rage Online predicts a 1-1 draw at the Crabble.

In other news Gavin Gordon has returned to Cardiff before the end of his loan spell because he is injured and won't feature again for United. Norman Sylla, meanwhile, had a trial for Brentford, playing for their reserves against Reading. Sylla scored the first goal of the game which Brentford went on to win 2-1.