Injury-hit Oxford United consider this tactical switch ahead of Sunderland game

Injury-hit Oxford United are considering a tactical switch ahead of the visit of Sunderland.
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The Black Cats make the trip to Oxford on Saturday (3pm KO) for the League One clash, with Phil Parkinson aiming for his first win of the season following the disappointing 1-1 draw with Bristol Rovers last weekend.

Oxford are lacking a left-winger and boss Karl Robinson admits he is looking to change the shape of his side until they sign one, playing two deep-lying central midfielders instead.

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Robinson told the Oxford Mail: “Our team is based on playing well, but when you need that moment of magic we don’t seem to have that. It’s the big thing for me.

Karl Robinson, manager of Oxford United.Karl Robinson, manager of Oxford United.
Karl Robinson, manager of Oxford United.

“We’ve signed Matty and Sam Winnall, they’re goalscorers who need to play with wide players to ask the question, or you have to change shape.

“We’re not too averse to looking at new systems, especially with where we sit right now with the lack of players in certain positions.

“We won’t change our philosophy, but it doesn’t mean you can’t change your system, so that’s something we’ll look at.”

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The U’s could be without a number of senior players this weekend, with Josh Ruffels, Jamie Hanson, Alex Gorrin, Sam Winnall and John Mousinho all set to miss out.

Matty Taylor and Mark Sykes could also be absent, but will be monitored in the build-up to Saturday’s meeting at the Kassam Stadium.

And while the absence of a number of key men could hand the Black Cats an advantage, Parkinson says he won’t be getting carried away with the claims coming from Oxfordshire – after similar circumstances last season.

"Without a doubt, it’s a good chance for us,” said the Sunderland boss.

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"But the last time we went there they spoke about how many injuries they had and we turned up and there weren’t quite as many."

Sunderland will be without the suspended George Dobson ahead of the weekend game, the midfielder will serve a three-game ban after seeing red against Bristol Rovers last weekend late in the game.

Sunderland decided against appealing the red card earlier this week.

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