PEP Clotet is intending to pick a strong team in the Checkatrade Trophy tonight, but the Oxford United manager insists it has nothing to do with their Emirates FA Cup exit.

The Spaniard used the competition to look at fringe players in the opening two group games.

But changes will be kept to a minimum against Milton Keynes Dons at the Kassam Stadium, where a draw should be enough to send the U’s through.

While it is the only cup competition left for United in the wake of Friday’s 2-0 loss at Port Vale, Clotet claims the result had not changed his view.

He said: “I was going to do it anyway, regardless of the result on Friday.

“I will only use the game to rest someone if they really need it. Apart from that, the team will be very similar to last Friday.

“In the beginning of a season you use any game possible to give everyone a fair chance.

“Now I know everyone, they have had a good chance to show their level.”

Ricardinho is fully fit after a calf problem, but is likely to be held back for Saturday’s Sky Bet League One game with Northampton Town.

Dons, who are all but through, are expected to make changes.

TONIGHT’S LINE-UPS

Oxford Utd: from Eastwood, Ribeiro, Nelson, Martin, Tiendalli, Rothwell, Ruffels, Henry, Payne, Hall, Obika, Thomas, Roberts, Mowatt, Baptiste, Ledson, Ashby, Xemi, Mousinho, Shearer.

MK Dons: from Sietsma, Williams, Lewington, Walsh, Wootton, Asante, McGrandles, Tshibola, Ariyibi, Muirhead, Nombe, Pawlett, Agard, Seager, Aneke, Gilbey, Nesbitt, Upson, Brittain, Ebanks-Landell, Nicholls.