No, neither Graham Westley nor Steve Evans will be at the Kassam Stadium tomorrow, but Julian Dicks will be bringing Grays Athletic along as Oxford United try to maintain their unbeaten home record and increase their lead at the top of the Conference. Oxford have been unbeaten in their last seven games at home, with the only points dropped being when Forest Green Rovers sneaked a goalless draw at the end of August. With Kettering Town having a free Saturday tomorrow the visit of lowly Grays gives the Us a real opportunity to stretch the gap between first and second places.

Chris Wilder will have an almost complete squad from which to select, as both Rhys Day and Kevin Sandwith returned to training and successfully came through Tuesday's friendly at Watford. Marcus Kelly remains sidelined with his toe injury, and Alfie Potter has almost recovered from a virus that has kept him out for a while, but neither are ready for a return to first-team action. There are rumours flying around about Damian Batt's fitness too, but as Adam Chapman has played the last two games at right back without putting a foot wrong these should not unduly concern United. Up front is, again, where Wilder will have to make an interesting decision, as Jack Midson's performances draw him ever closer to a regular starting place.

Grays are now under the management of former Westam hard man Julian Dicks, once famously tackled by Mickey Lewis in a legal challenge that saw Dicks end up on the roof of the Osler Road and the whole Manor Ground giving Mad Dog a standing ovation. He was appointed to the Essex club on 16 September, since when Grays have draw at Stevenage Borough and beaten Cambridge United. However, they have also lost at Altrincham and Forest Green Rovers, and been held to a goalless draw by Gateshead. They have also recently found that strikers Lee McEvilly and Adriano Rigoglioso are both going to be out for ages, possibly ever, with serious injuries. McEvilly has yet to play for Grays. Defender Anwar Uddin has had his loan from Dagenham & Redbridge extended until the New Year, but Lee Butcher and Sam Gaughran have both finished their loan spells. Grays are currently sixth from bottom of the Conference, two points above the drop zone. If we're lucky, Jamie Slabber might play for them up front. [@opponent]grays athletic[/@opponent] [@connection]grays athletic[/@connection]