Michael Appleton is pleased Oxford United’s trip to York City tonight (7.45) has been given added spice by Saturday’s goalless draw against Morecambe.

The U’s need to win at Bootham Crescent to keep up with their target of collecting eight points from each five-game block.

Appleton said: “If we do win it’ll be a fantastic point on Saturday, if we draw it will be an OK point and if we lose it will be a rubbish one.

“I’m glad there is some serious pressure on it because I think York is one of those places where if you’re too relaxed you can get turned over, big time.”

Liam Sercombe will be on penalty duties, after Kemar Roofe’s effort was saved against Morecambe.

The U’s boss said: “We’re at that stage where it’s down to who is feeling good about themselves and I think Sercs has been outstanding.”

York are without Luke Summerfield (concussion), Jake Hyde (hernia) and the suspended Vadaine Oliver.

York City: Flinders, Nolan, Lowe, Winfield, Ilesanmi, Penn, Godfrey, Berrett, Thompson, Turner, Straker, Rzonca, Tutonda, Sinclair, Carson, McCombe, McCoy, Platt, Ingham.

Oxford Utd: Slocombe, Baldock, Mullins, Wright, Skarz, O’Dowda, Sercombe, Lundstram, Rose, Hylton, Roofe, Hoban, Roberts, Taylor, MacDonald, Graham, Ruffels, Dunkley, Buchel.