Lincoln will come

United's next game is not actually a week on Sunday, it is this Saturday against Lincoln City at the Kassam Stadium (3.00pm kick off, if you're not sure). There may well be some exciting news for United supporters as it is quite possible that Lee Steele could make his first appearance for the club, possibly even starting the game. With Andy Scott still missing there is nevertheless good competition for forward places as Jefferson Louis, Manny Omoyinmi and David Oldfield are all also in the frame.

Bobby Ford is also in contention for a place following yesterday's reserves fixture, although Ian Atkins may decide to keep him on the bench initially. With the defensive positions still up for grabs (see Abdou Sall story below) the rest of the line-up is unclear although we suspect that Atkins will be reluctant to change from his preferred five at the back formation, meaning that Dave Waterman may well retain his place in defence.

United beat Lincoln last season in the corresponding fixture. They were also United's first ever home victims in the football league way back forty years ago. However with the distraction of the swindon game and the fact that every time we predict an Oxford win they go and lose Rage Online predicts an Impish 1-0 victory.

Sall he, shan't he?

Oxford won't be signing Stuart Balmer after Oldham Athletic said that he couldn't join the club on loan but only on a permanent deal. Ian Atkins has apparently been told that he cannot bring in any new players just yet and so Balmer has gone back to the cash-strapped Lancashire outfit.

In his stead Atkins has turned to Kidderminster's Senegalese defender Abdou Sall. He is described as “raw” by Atkins, but could provide the vital cover required over the next few weeks. The good news is that, in his five appearances this season for the Harriers, he scored the winning goal against swindon in the LDV Trophy, for which he should be given a medal, if not a contract. Sall will train again with the squad tomorrow before Atkins decides whether or not to take him on for a longer period.