[long_read]

Oxford United's win last weekend against Blackpool was their first in seven matches, leaving them precariously placed in the League One table.

On paper, their squad should be comfortably mid table, but in a competitive and tough division there's no such thing. Even the sides in the middle of the pack are looking over their shoulder.

When Oxford look over their shoulder, there's not much to see. Only four teams are below them in the table, with relegation a real prospect for Karl Robinson's side.

They face Scunthorpe United tomorrow knowing they need to start picking up serious points before the games run out. They're clear of the drop zone by two points, but that can change in an instant.

They should have enough quality to beat the Iron tomorrow and we feel with the XI we've selected, they can elevate themselves further away from the trapdoor.

[snack_break title="Simon Eastwood"]

The keeper hasn't been at fault for the club's plummet down the table and is sure to play tomorrow.

He's made 23 appearances this season.

[snack_break title="Luke Garbutt"]

Garbutt didn't impress when he first joined on loan from Everton, but of late he's grown into the full back role and looked assured.

He's only made nine starts, which is testament to his patchy early season form.

[snack_break title="Sam Long"]

Long is another relatively new face in the side, although he's been with the club since his teens.

He's made four starts this season but will likely keep his place for the Scunthorpe test.

[snack_break title="Rob Dickie"]

Dickie has been with the club a year, but has slotted in as though he's always been at the Kassam.

He's a languid defender, but domineering and strong. His partnership with Nelson at the back is crucial.

[snack_break title="Curtis Nelson"]

Nelson is the experienced man at the back, even at 25-years-old.

He's ever-present this season in League One for the U's.

[snack_break title="Josh Ruffels"]

The former Coventry man is a veteran of their League One title winning side and a former team mate of Leeds striker Kemar Roofe.

He's one of the players who perhaps hasn't been as impressive as he should be, something he'll be hoping to correct this weekend.

[snack_break title="Mark Sykes"]

Sykes is a relatively new face having arrived from Ireland in the transfer window, but he's settled quickly.

He's a tenacious midfielder looking to link up with fellow countryman Gavin Whyte

[snack_break title="John Mousinho"]

Another of the big names that has the ability to unlock defences, but Mousinho has just two goals to his name this season.

If they can get him working with Sykes in the middle of the park, Oxford could find the points needed to get out of their predicament.

[snack_break title="Jerome Sinclair"]

The Watford man has been on loan at Sunderland, but left there in January to join Oxford.

He's got to be a big acquisition for them, he's got real quality on the ball and an eye for goal. how important his capture could be for the club, if he can link up with the other forwards.

[snack_break title="Jordan Graham"]

Graham is on loan from Wolves and along with Sinclair, is looking to kickstart his career with his spell at the Kassam.

There's incredible quality in their side, but they have to gel and fast.

[snack_break title="James Henry"]

Arguably the best player in their current squad, the 29-year-old has ten goals from 30 outings.

He can operate in the middle of the park, out wide or upfront.

He's vital to their ongoing success and if he plays well, they are likely to get at least a point.

[/long_read]