Barnet v Oxford preview

Team news ahead of Tuesday's League Two clash between Barnet and Oxford at Underhill Stadium.

Barnet player-coach Edgar Davids misses the midweek tie through suspension. The 39-year-old former Holland international was sent off after receiving two yellow cards, the second for a foul on ex-England striker James Beattie, in Friday night's 1-1 home draw with Accrington. The midfielder will serve a one-match ban and is joined on the sidelines by striker Steve Kabba and back-up goalkeeper Liam O'Brien, who are struggling with their respective knee and pelvis injuries. Forward Ricky Holmes and left-back Jordan Brown are set to retain their places in the Bees' starting line-up after returning from ankle and groin problems in the Stanley match. Former Fulham striker Collins John is closing in on a comeback from a thigh problem and could be considered, while midfielder John Oster is hoping to shrug off a calf complaint. Oxford manager Chris Wilder's preparations have been dealt a blow with the news that two of his strikers will be missing from action for a month. Top scorer Tom Craddock will be unavailable with a cracked rib, while Deane Smalley underwent an operation on his groin last week. "It's a big blow to lose a player like Tommy that's bang in form and a partnership (with James Constable) that's looking pretty decent," Wilder told the Oxford Mail. "Deane Smalley's had an operation and will be out until mid-January. These are things that are definitely going against us." Oxford, who have picked up just 11 points from their last 15 games, will also be without midfielder Lee Cox through suspension after he picked up his fifth yellow card of the season. Adam Chapman is likely to replace the on-loan Swindon man. In better news for Wilder, experienced defender Michael Duberry has stepped up his recovery from a neck problem and is edging closer to a return, while defender Liam Davis could be involved after missing Saturday's 2-1 loss at Chesterfield with a slight hamstring injury.