The freezing conditions that cast over Oxford this week meant that the Grenoble Road turf has become unplayable. After a referee pitch inspection, it was evident that the playing surface was too dangerous for a game on Saturday.

However, with temperatures rising, both clubs have agreed to reschedule their date to Valentine's Day, 14th February, at 3 PM kick-off GMT. 

For the U's, Sunday's fixture presents the opportunity for them to continue their early 2021 endeavours; they have only lost points in one game so far in the calendar year.

The rearrangement is a timely one for the home side, who put Bristol Rovers to the sword in midweek, beating them 2-0 for the second time in the space of a month.

A win for the visitors, however, will give Latics fans a glimmer of hope in alleviating their dropzone trepidation.

Wigan Athletic find themselves just one point from safety, but sealing all three points on Sunday could lift them to 18th in League One

Team news

The U's will wait on the fitness of James Henry and Sam Long who both limped off during the win at Bristol Rovers on Tuesday.

The pair remain doubtful, but Mark Sykes drew praise from the Manager after coming on as a sub for Henry, while Anthony Forde played a big part in United's second goal after replacing Long.

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Jamie Hanson, Rob Hall and Dan Agyei have all missed the last couple of games but stand by should Henry or Long not make it.

Wigan's new proposition, Joe Dodoo, could make his debut at Grenoble Road, after being an unused substitute in his side's 1-0 victory at Northampton Town.

Meanwhile, Jamie Proctor remains in self-isolation, Tom Pearce is expected to miss the rest of the season, perhaps needing surgery after the ankle injury he sustained last weekend.

Ones to watch

Oxford United: Josh Ruffels

Oxford United have the most productive trio of defenders in 'The 92' in 2020/21, with Josh Ruffels being the main source. The Oxford-born marauding left-back has four goals and four assists to his name this season.

On so many occasions, it has been Ruffels who has delivered vital points for the U's. While Long will bomb down the right flank, Ruffels will bomb down the left, leaving Wigan's fragile defence in a potentially perilous state.

Wigan Athletic: Joe Dodoo

The Latics' new centre-forward has bags of potential, he will hope to prove that in Sunday's affair, but the striker is yet to fulfil his label. Having scored 14 goals in Leicester's U23 squad early in his career, Dodoo looked set to be a star.

His club is among the lowest-scoring sides in league One this campaign, so his potency in front of goal is invaluable to Wigan's chances of lifting themselves out of the drop zone this weekend.

Predicted lineups

Oxford United (4-3-3):

Stevens; Ruffels, Atkinson, Moore, Long; Kelly, Rodriguez, Brannagan; Shodipo, Taylor, Lee.

Wigan Athletic (4-4-2)

Jones; Robinson, Tilt, Wootton, Darikwa; Aasgaad, Ojo, Merrie, Keane; Lang, Dodoo.

Last time out

Many Oxford fans will experience flashbacks of the time they saw their team capitulate to a Wigan squad that ran away 7-0 victors back in 2018.

However, the last time these two met, the U's won 2-1, with goals from Taylor and Henry. Oxford will look to complete the double over the Latics this season.

How to watch

The match is available on iFollow through Oxford United and Fleetwood Town's respective club websites, with match passes at £10 for those in the United Kingdom.

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