New Gulls signing Joss Labadie is set to be involved for the first time.
The Notts County midfielder, who was Knill's first signing since joining the club, trained with his team-mates on Thursday and is available for selection having signed a loan deal until the end of the season.
Knill has also been handed an injury boost with the news that experienced defender Aaron Downes could return to action after a hamstring injury. The 27-year-old limped off with the injury in Torquay's 1-0 defeat to Port Vale last week.
Midfielder Craig Easton (calf) remains out while Southend loanee Elliot Benyon continues to have treatment for a sore knee but he is likely to partner top scorer Rene Howe again.
Knill revealed they are managing Benyon's niggling injury and have been resting him between games.
Torquay are without a win since January and sit two points above the League Two relegation zone.
Oxford manager Chris Wilder looks set to ring the changes.
The U's went down 4-0 at home to Rotherham on Tuesday night and Wilder admitted he selected the wrong system against the Millers.
He introduced Josh Parker and Scott Davies at the half-time interval with his team already 4-0 down and the pair are pushing for inclusion from the start at Plainmoor.
Strikers James Constable and Tom Craddock are other options as Oxford look to get back to winning ways.
One player who will not feature is midfielder Adam Chapman who moved on loan to Mansfield until the end of the season on Wednesday.
Goalkeeper Ryan Clarke, (shoulder) striker Justin Richards (knee) and midfielder Peter Leven (knee) remain sidelined.
