Oxford United face AFC Wimbledon this evening in an important game at the top of the Conference. A win for United could see them open up a six-point gap over second-placed Stevenage Borough, who visit Wrexham tomorrow. Sixth-placed Wimbledon did United a big favour by winning 2-1 at Luton Town on Saturday, and they'll be looking to capitalise on that result tonight in their hunt for a play-off place.

Chris Wilder will still be without midfielders Adam Murray and Alfie Potter, while striker Jack Midson faces a fitness test following a dead leg received in training last week that caused him to miss United's 2-1 FA Trophy defeat by Kidderminster Harriers on Saturday. Franny Green is available after illness, while there are strong rumours that the Us could have a new face up front as Wilder looks to strengthen the squad as the season reaches its climax. Elsewhere, we can expect Ryan Clarke to come back into goal in place of Billy Turley, Anthony Tonkin to resume his left-back duties after missing Saturday's game due to being cup-tied, Rhys Day to commence in place of Mark Creighton, and Sam Deering to displace Jamie Cook. Chris Hargreaves may also be recalled, but with Adam Chapman looking like a ready-made replacement for Murray it leaves Wilder with a poser as to who should make way.

Wimbledon manager Terry Brown was understandably delighted with his side's result at Luton, and he was also at Kenilworth Road to watch Oxford's 2-1 defeat there. This caused him to comment “Oxford were unlucky to lose. Given what I saw that day we shall be practising our inswinging corners before the game!” One hopes that Clarke et al have also been practising defending the buggers.

This is AFC's first visit to the Kas in their current guise, although United fans will not want to remember Wimbledon's last visit to Oxford. That was a top-flight match (four divisions above tonight's encounter) and it ended in a 5-2 win for the Wombles, their best result against the Us.[@opponent]afc wimbledon[/@opponent][@connection]afc wimbledon[/@connection][@opponent]wimbledon[/@opponent][@connection]wimbledon[/@connection]