Michael Appleton expects a “hell of a game” when his Oxford United side visit Kenilworth Road this afternoon.

Only Portsmouth had a higher average attendance than Luton Town in Sky Bet League Two last season and more than 9,000 watched the hosts win this fixture 2-0 last season.

With both sides expected to figure in the promotion race and making identical starts – 1-1 draws on the opening day of the league season followed by cup shocks – Appleton cannot wait.

He said: “The likelihood is it’s going to be a full house and we both took a point on the opening day, so it’s all very similar.

“They have big expectations and they’ll think they’ve made the signing of the summer with (Craig) Mackail-Smith.

“It’s a great capture, but we feel pretty good about ourselves and I expect it to be one hell of a game.”

Kemar Roofe was substituted at half-time after scoring a wonder goal in United’s 4-0 win at Brentford on Tuesday, but should be fit enough to start.

With new signing John Lundstram not match fit, Appleton could name the same XI and substitutes for the third game running.

Luton made eight changes in midweek, so boss John Still has several decisions to make.

Magnus Okuonghae (Achilles) is the only player ruled out through injury.

TODAY’S SQUADS

Luton Tn: from Tyler, Cuthbert, McNulty, Wilkinson, Griffiths, Green, Doyle, McGeehan, McCourt, Benson, Mackail-Smith, Marriott, O’Donnell, Potts, Ruddock, Lawless, Hall, Guttridge, McQuoid, Justham.

Oxford Utd: from Slocombe, Baldock, Mullins, Wright, Skarz, Roofe, Sercombe, Rose, MacDonald, Hylton, Taylor, Hoban, O’Dowda, Ruffels, Ashby, Long, Dunkley, Crocombe.