OXFORD United will fancy their chances of claiming a scalp in the Emirates FA Cup third round next month – if they can avoid an upset in the second round next week.

A visit to managerless Rotherham United awaits the winners of the replay at the Kassam Stadium between the U’s and Macclesfield Town.

Michael Appleton’s side must improve to see off the Silkmen, who were the better side in Friday night’s goalless draw at Moss Rose.

While they did not land a Premier League giant, if United could progress, then matching last season’s run to the fourth round would become a distinct possibility.

Rotherham have won just once in 19 Sky Bet Championship games this season and are marooned 11 points adrift at the bottom.

The Millers’ squad includes striker Dexter Blackstock, who came through the U’s youth set-up but was sold to Southampton in 2003 without making an appearance.

Last week Kenny Jackett resigned after five games in charge and interim boss Paul Warne is not interested in taking on the role permanently.

Results in League One are the key for Appleton, whose side are in Checkatrade Trophy action tonight, but the boss is keen for a repeat of last season’s cup runs.

He said: “The FA Cup isn’t our biggest priority, but we’re more than aware that last year the cup competitions were really good for us. 

“If you’d not had a good result at the weekend in the league, it was always great to play in a different competition, so we want to stay in as many cups as we can.”

United have not met the Millers since they were together in League Two during the 2012/13 season.

Johnny Mullins, who went on to play for the U’s was on target in a 4-0 win at the Kassam, completing a double after a 3-1 success at home.

The third round matches are due to be played over the weekend of January 7/8.

Bolton Wanderers were due to visit in Sky Bet League One on January 7 and as the Trotters are certain of a place the fixture will have to be rearranged for later in the season.

FA CUP THIRD ROUND DRAW IN FULL

Ipswich Tn v Lincoln or Oldham

Barrow v Rochdale

Man Utd v Reading

Hull City v Swansea

Sunderland v Burnley

QPR v Blackburn

Millwall v Bournemouth

West Ham v Man City

Brighton v MK Dons or Charlton

Blackpool v Barnsley

Wigan v Nottm Forest

Birmingham City v Newcastle Utd

Chelsea v Notts Co or Peterborough

Middlesbrough v Sheff Wed

WBA v Derby Co

Everton v Leicester City

Liverpool v Newport or Plymouth

Wycombe Wands v Northampton Tn or Stourbridge

Watford v Burton

Preston v Arsenal

Cardiff v Fulham

Stoke City v Wolves

Cambridge Utd v Leeds

Bristol City v Shrewsbury or Fleetwood

Huddersfield Tn v Port Vale

Tottenham v Aston Villa

Brentford v Halifax Tn or Eastleigh

Bolton v C Palace

Norwich v Southampton

Sutton Utd v Wimbledon

Accrington v Luton Tn

Rotherham Utd v Oxford Utd or Macclesfield Tn