POINTS ARE THE CORE FOR APPLETON

AFTER a hectic week, Oxford United boss Michael Appleton believes that it’s points, and not performance, which is paramount against AFC Wimbledon this afternoon.

The U’s won away at Bolton Wanderers last weekend and were on the road again on Tuesday, losing 3-1 on penalties to bitter rivals Swindon Town in the Checkatrade Trophy following a goalless draw.

Appleton said: “I just want to get the three points. If we don’t get the performance, I’ll worry about that on Monday morning.”

Defender Curtis Nelson is in contention to make his first appearance of the season for Oxford.

The 23-year-old joined in the summer from Plymouth Argyle but has not featured since August 14 due to a foot injury.

Midfielder Dan Crowley, on loan from Arsenal, is pushing for his first league start but injured trio Robert Hall, Christian Ribeiro and Ryan Ledson remained sidelined.

Wimbledon will be missing left-back Sean Kelly who has a thigh injury, so Jon Meades is likely to deputise against his former club.

Oxford beat AFC Wimbledon twice last season to retain their unbeaten record against the Londonders that stretches 12 meetings, though both were promoted from League Two.

And Appleton believes that familiarity will ease his preparation work for a third game in a week.

He added: “Wimbledon are no different in the way they play in terms of their philosophy, they’re very quick in the wide areas.

“If they get the ball to Tom Elliott they’re dangerous.We will have to perform well with the physical side of the game.”