Vassell set for U's bow
Oxford are set to hand a debut to new signing Kyle Vassell when they host fellow strugglers Carlisle.
The U's go into the game having failed to score in their last three but Michael Appleton will hope Peterborough forward Vassell can make the difference against a Cumbrians side just two points behind them in the table.
Previous loanees, Chesterfield's Armand Gnanduillet and MK Dons midfielder Giorgio Rasulo, have returned to their parent clubs and will not be involved.
Sam Long staked his claim in midweek with a goal for Oxford's development side as they beat Oxford City.
Carlisle are expected to include new loan signings David Atkinson and Jeffrey Monakana in their squad.
Middlesbrough defender Atkinson has joined from Middlesbrough and Monakana from Brighton, both until the end of the season.
Boss Keith Curle has no major new injury headaches, but Antony Sweeney (leg), Courtney Meppen-Walter (abdomen) and David Amoo (groin) remain doubtful, while Danny Kearns is pushing for a start.
Goalkeeper Raphael Spiegel has returned to parent club West Ham, while the Cumbrians, four points and three places above the relegation zone, have lost only one of their last five matches.
Source: PA
