Christian named
Christian Edwards has joined Oxford on a month's loan for the second time. The last time the Nottingham Forest defender was at United was almost exactly three years ago when he played five games under Denis Smith, scoring once in a 4-1 defeat against Wrexham at the Manor. Edwards joins in time for the trip to Hartlepool, for which Dave Waterman is suspended, and as loanee Abdou Sall returns to Kidderminster after a dispute over his expenses (he wasn't getting any).
Hunter hunted
Roy Hunter has at last signed a contract with Oxford, despite alleged interest from Bristol Rovers and other clubs. Hunter had been holding out for an improved offer from the club, but despite this not being forthcoming Hunter, who has impressed in his appearances since joining from Northampton, has now put pen to paper committing himself to the club for the next six months. Hunter is the final player that Ian Atkins has been allowed to offer a contract to by chairman Firoz Kassam, meaning that the manager has to rely on loan signings for any cover he requires.
Hurtling to Hartlepool
United visit the Division's top club for the second time this season as they travel up the M1 to Hartlepool. The last time the Us visited the league leaders they beat Rushden 2-0 on the back of a solid defensive performance. This Saturday they will be without Dave Waterman, who won the Rage Online readers Man of the Match award at Arsenal, whose place will probably be taken by new loan signing Christian Edwards. Scott McNiven may well return to his right wingback role, allowing Roy Hunter to revert to his position in midfield. However James Hunt may have recovered from his Boxing Day injury and so could oust Hunter, unless Ian Atkins gets confused when he fills out the teamsheet. In attack, who knows?
If Oxford play at Pool the same way as they did against their north-east neighbours Darlington on Tuesday then they will lose. As this appears to be the only way that United know how to play then Rage Online predicts a 2-0 win to the home side.