Oxford welcome Lewis Montrose back into the squad and hope to have Andy Whing available again after illness.
Alfie Potter's late strike saw the U's record a shock win at leaders Gillingham on Tuesday night and they now welcome the team second in the league looking to make it a hugely successful week for Chris Wilder's men.
Wilder benched star strikers James Constable and Tom Craddock and has a decision whether to reinstate the pair or stick with Deane Smalley, who led the line against Martin Allen's men.
Simon Heslop and Tony Capaldi, who have not been regular starters in recent games, were named in the starting line-up as the United boss shuffled his pack and their impressive displays have left Wilder with a selection headache.
Port Vale manager Micky Adams has hinted at changes to his starting line-up.
After being impressed with the Valiants as they won 1-0 at Torquay last Saturday, Adams named the same team against Exeter in midweek.
However, the league title contenders' performance against the Grecians was flat and they slipped to a 2-0 home defeat.
Louis Dodds and Robert Taylor came on at half-time on Tuesday night, replacing Calvin Andrew and Ashley Vincent respectively, and they could be in line to start at the Kassam Stadium.
Likewise veteran striker Lee Hughes, who was also introduced from the bench after an hour.
Other options for Adams include defender Adam Yates and midfielders Chris Shuker, Sam Morsy and Chris Birchall.
Ahead of the game, Adams said: "It (Tuesday night) was as quiet a performance as I have seen from a Port Vale side this season. We have lost games but we have always tested the goalkeeper - we never did that.
"It is a little bit baffling when you consider the performance we put in at Torquay.
"When a team out-battle you, are more physical than you and out-run you, then we've got to start asking questions.
"We will have a look at everything before the next game. We have always said we have got a decent squad. It might be time for those who have been on the sidelines to have a run in the side, but we will pick whatever we think is the best team to get a result at Oxford."
