Oxford United manager Jim Smith says three points from today's home game against Halifax is "imperative".

But he is warning his players not to take their opponents lightly, saying the Shaymen are "under-achievers" and could be just as difficult to break down as were Forest Green in the opening match, when the U's needed a last-minute goal for victory.

The United boss looks set to name the bulk of the team that finished Monday's 0-0 draw at Stevenage, with the midfield his only real area of concern.

Eddie Hutchinson is ruled out after being unable to train following the hamstring strain he collected on Thursday. Michael Standing, Danny Rose and Luke Foster are also in contention to play alongside Carl Pettefer.

Rob Duffy and Yemi Odubade are expected to start up front, with Marvin Robinson - who scored Oxford's equaliser in a 1-1 draw at Halifax in March - likely to be on the bench.

United have successive games at the Kassam Stadium against Halifax and Exeter, which will test their unbeaten home record.

"They are two tough home games," Smith said.

"It's imperative that we win on Saturday. If you get your draws away from home, and your wins at home, that's the kind of target you've got to aim for.

"I thought Halifax under-achieved last year, because they looked quite good when we played them in that first game.

"I expect Halifax to be as tough as Forest Green were."

Gary Twigg, Joel Ledgister, Chris Willmott and Phil Gilchrist are all out for the U's.

Halifax boss Chris Wilder is waiting on the fitness of Steve Bushell.

Oxford Utd: (from) Turley, Corcoran, Quinn, Day, Anaclet, Foster, Pettefer, Trainer, Jeannin, Duffy, Odubade, Standing, Tardif, Rose, Gnohere, Robinson.

Halifax Tn: (probable) Mawson, Toulson, Quinn, Belle, Wright, Forrest, Bushell, Griffith, Torpey, Campbell, Killeen. Subs from: Butler, Scott, Stamp, Kearney, Doughty, Taylor.