Oxford United vs Port Vale - Christian Ribeiro set to continue as Oxford face Port Vale

Posted Saturday, April 15, 2017 by PA

Christian Ribeiro should keep his place in the Oxford side to face Port Vale after making his long-awalited debut in the Good Friday defeat at Bradford.

Ribeiro signed for Michael Appleton's side over the summer but an ankle injury suffered in pre-season prevented him from appearing for the Us until the clash with the Bantams and he came through the game unscathed.

The defeat at Valley Parade means Oxford are now out of play-off contention and Appleton has no new fresh concerns from the trip to West Yorkshire.

Midfielder Liam Sercombe will again be missing due to disciplinary reasons.

Port Vale will wait on the fitness of captain Ben Purkiss as they prepare for the trip.

Purkiss was substituted before half-time in Friday's 3-0 loss to Sheffield United and caretaker manager Michael Brown was unsure afterwards whether the defender would be available to face Oxford.

Remie Streete was an unused substitute against the Blades after a recent hamstring injury and will hope for a starting call.

But on-loan QPR winger Olamide Shodipo is unlikely to play again this season due to tendinitis.