Davies targets 'Marmite man' (From The Oxford Times)

Davies targets 'Marmite man'

9:30am Tuesday 5th March 2013 in Sport By David Pritchard, Chief Sports Reporter covering Oxford United. Follow us on twitter: @oxfordmailoufc. Call me on 01865 425458

New signing Scott Davies is looking to haunt one of his former managers as in-form Oxford United host Rotherham tonight.

The 24-year-old was signed for Crawley Town two years ago by Steve Evans, who brings his Millers side to the Kassam Stadium.

It is United’s third successive game against a side in contention for automatic promotion from npower League Two, but Chris Wilder’s men have little to fear after last week’s wins over Gillingham and Port Vale.

Davies signed non-contract terms last week and made his debut as a late substitute in Saturday’s 2-1 win over Vale.

Due to a lack of football, the midfielder is likely to be on the bench again this evening, but he is hoping to help his new club to another win.

And the fact the opposition are managed by Evans, a larger-than-life character, would make it all the sweeter.

Davies said: “He’s like Marmite – you either love him or hate him.

“The majority do hate him, but at the end of the day he’s been successful. He got the best out of me in the short period I played under him.

“I’d love to get one over on him and then shake his hand after the game.”

Another win would seal a stunning few days for United and send them up to eighth in the table – their highest position since September.

Wilder hinted on Saturday he could freshen up his side for their third game in eight days.

Andy Whing is pushing for a start after impressing as a substitute on Saturday, while Deane Smalley is likely to lead the line again.

Rotherham have no new injury concerns, but Evans is also considering changes.

Johnny Mullins, who impressed on loan at United in the autumn, will return to the Kassam as the visiting skipper, while Irish midfielder Daniel Kearns could be available.

Oxford Utd: from McCormick, Batt, Raynes, Wright, Davis, Parker, Whing, Capaldi, Rigg, Potter, Smalley, Constable, Craddock, Chapman, Davies, Heslop, O’Brien, Duberry, Worley, Crocombe.

Rotherham Utd: from Warrington, Davis, Mullins, Arnason, Ridehalgh, Pringle, Frecklington, Noble, O’Connor, Revell, Nardiello, Morgan, Bradley, Cameron, Slew, Odejayi, Agard, Thompson, Kearns.