Oxford Utd v Hartlepool preview

Team news for Friday's League Two clash between Oxford United and Hartlepool United at the Kassam Stadium.

Oxford will assess Johnny Mullins' fitness ahead of their Friday night clash with Hartlepool. The 29-year-old defender underwent a scan on the ankle he injured against Chesterfield last Saturday, making him a huge doubt to feature against Pools. Mullins looks likely to join suspended pair Tom Newey and Michael Raynes on the sidelines after they were both sent off last weekend. Newey will begin his three-match ban while Raynes will miss one game having picked up two yellow cards in Saturday's forgettable 3-0 loss. Left-back Jon Meades looks likely to be involved and Sam Long and Matt Bevans are other defensive options for caretaker boss Mickey Lewis. Hartlepool will be without injured winger Andy Monkhouse for Friday night's game at Oxford. Monkhouse, who has started Pools' last four matches, was forced out of last week's home win against Bristol Rovers due to a torn hamstring and will be sidelined for at least a month. Jack Compton is expected to make his first start since mid-January in Monkhouse's absence, while manager Colin Cooper has no other new injury or suspension worries. Michael Duckworth is edging closer to a return to action following a leg injury, but fellow defender Neil Austin (toe) has been ruled out for the rest of the season.