Tomorrow evening Oxford United face what is possibly their hardest test so far this season, with another tough away trip, this time to Stevenage Borough.[@opponent]Stevenage Borough[/@opponent][@connection]Stevenage Borough[/@connection] Like United's first away match, the 2-1 defeat to Cambridge United, this game is being shown live on Setanta. Oxford's other away game was also at a side fancied to be in the promotion shake up, but the Us won the game at Burton Albion 2-1. Oxford also beat Stafford Rangers 2-1 yesterday, in a game that saw the Yellows play some decent passing football for the first 25 minutes of the second half, and they will be hoping to build on that at Broadhall Way. Last season's encounter saw United come back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 in an excellent game.[@report]284[/@report]

Jim Smith has already implied that he will be rotating his squad following the Stafford game, in order to bring in some fresh legs and to rest others. Carl Pettefer will probably start, while both Mike Standing and Danny Rose both played just a half each yesterday. Two-goal Phil Trainer may make way to accommodate one of these, while Eddie Hutchinson is likely to be rested too, although Joel Ledgister still isn't fit to resume his place. Also missing out will be Chris Willmott, while the game may come just a few days too soon for Phil Gilchrist. Up front we expect Smith to stick with the duo who started yesterday, as neither Marvin Robinson nor Rob Duffy impressed too much in their limited time on the pitch. However, Yemi Odubade was clearly knackered when he was substituted, and so Duffy may be selected ahead of him, alongside Gary Twigg. Luke Foster may get a look in too, although who he is likely to replace isn't so clear cut, and he could be preferred to one of a number of players.

Stevenage have had a similar start to the season as United, winning three and losing one of their opening four fixtures. They lost their opening match at Crawley, but have since won three on the trot, against Histon, Weymouth, and most recently Kidderminsters Harriers, where they won 2-0 on Friday night. This has obviously given Borough an extra day's rest, and they are apparently likely to keep the same side as the one that won at Aggborough. Rage Online will be pleased if the outcome is similar to last season's, but we suspect that Stevenage might have a bit too much desire in front of the TV cameras at home, and we're predicting another 2-1 reverse.