Is this the best Oxford United starting XI on paper?

Is this the best Oxford United starting XI on paper?

GOALKEEPER

Jamie Cumming has been United’s number one keeper since joining the club, and there’s no reason why that should change.

The injury suffered by Matt Ingram last week may elevate Simon Eastwood to back-up keeper after not being named in the 25-man squad at all last season.

DEFENCE

There is a wider debate to be had over what formation best suits the U’s, but like last season, Rowett will be flexible game to game.

We’ve opted for the 4-2-3-1 formation used in the most recent match, the 2-2 draw at home against Coventry City.

The back four lines up from right to left with Brodie Spencer, Michal Helik, Ciaron Brown and Greg Leigh.

Rangers loanee Ben Davies should provide great cover for the injured Brown as the left-sided centre back in the next few weeks, and then the battle between the two will be a fascinating one.

At left back, Jack Currie excelled on loan at Leyton Orient last season, however the goal threat and added physicality of Leigh gives him the edge.

The ever-dependable Sam Long can slot in anywhere across the backline with minimum fuss and will again be an important asset this season.

MIDFIELD

Cameron Brannagan and Brian De Keersmaecker have already shown promising signs as a midfield pairing, so expect that to continue.

The leadership and tenacity of Will Vaulks makes him a strong third option, while his long throw-in will continue to cause problems for opposition defences this season.

ATTACK

This is where things start to get more difficult, with the three players behind the striker in the 4-2-3-1 set-up.

Rowett tends to like a traditional winger on one side and a hybrid one who can drift infield from the other.

With that in mind, we’ve gone for Stan Mills on the right and deadline day arrival Filip Krastev on the left.

Krastev can reportedly play from the left or centrally, and this is where Leigh at left back comes in useful as he will bomb on and allow Krastev to float inside.

In the No 10 role, Tyler Goodrham has broadly always played his best football centrally. He’s struggled this season, but is capable of the sublime.

The likes of Luke Harris, Siriki Dembele and Przemyslaw Placheta all provide attacking options from the bench.

Up front, Will Lankshear already has two goals to his name since joining from Tottenham Hotspur on loan and looks a real handful. Nik Prelec has impressed too in his cameos from the bench this season.