Oxford United visit Grays Athletic tomorrow looking for a win that will sweep aside memories of their last Conference game, a 1-0 defeat at home to Tamworth. Since then, United have progressed to the third round of the FA Trophy by beating Woking 1-0, thereby setting up another trip to Essex the following week for a game at Chelmsford City.

In addition to the Woking game, United also played a practice match at Brentford, drawing 2-2 with Jack Midson scoring both goals, leaving Chris Wilder with a few selection ponderables. With Luke Foster's departure to Mansfield Town, there are three centre-backs vying for two places, with Mark Creighton, Rhys Day, and Jake Wright all looking strong. Damian Batt has recovered from injury and served his one-game suspension, so he is likely to return to the right-back berth, while Anthony Tonkin was cup-tied for the visit of Woking and will return at left-back. Lee Fowler gave a good account of himself on his debut on Tuesday, and he could retain his place if Adam Murray hasn't recovered from the stitches he required at the end of the Tamworth game, while if rumours that United are about to bring back Chris Hargreaves prove true, he can also be added to the midfield mix. Up front, Midson has looked lively recently and could partner James Constable, although both players are at their best spearheading the attack, which would necessitate a change of formation to accommodate that. With Alfie Potter looking to be back to his best, and Sam Deering making an impact as substitute on Tuesday, along with Jamie Cook's return to fitness and Matt Green getting on the scoresheet against Woking, there are further options for Wilder to contemplate.

Grays manager Julian Dicks has been busy in the transfer market, bringing in several new players who could make their debuts tomorrow. Of particular interest to Oxford fans are his acquisition of Jamie Guy, who was released by Colchester United, and Alex Rhodes, who joined from Braintree Town. Other new arrivals include Andrea Zola, son of Westam boss Gianfranco, ex-Southend striker Wayne Gray, former Fulham midfielder Jordan Wilson, and three players on loan: midfielder Harry Baker from Leyton Orient, defender Jack Hunt from Huddersfield Town, and goalkeeper Richard Martin from Yeovil Town. All of which could make second from bottom Grays a tougher proposition than we were expecting, or else could seriously disrupt their preparations. [@opponent]grays athletic[/@opponent][@connection]grays athletic[/@connection]