Ryan Clarke insists while most people will view Oxford United’s trip to Shrewsbury Town as a home banker today, there is genuine belief within the camp they can take another scalp on the road.

Not for the first time in recent seasons, the majority of the U’s best results in this campaign have come on their travels.

Of the eight best home sides in Sky Bet League Two, Michael Appleton’s men have beaten four of them – most recently Bury a fortnight ago.

Since then a return of one point from home games against Plymouth Argyle and Hartlepool United has increased the pressure again to upset the odds away from the Kassam Stadium.

Clarke is well aware the mood inside the dressing room will not be matched by many supporters when it comes to their chances of winning this afternoon.

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He said: “A lot of people probably won’t (be optimistic), but we are.

“There’s a lot of belief here, you’ve only got to look at the way we played to win at Bury, Plymouth and Stevenage.

“There’s no lack of confidence in the group, it was a tough game on Tuesday and people forget to give Hartlepool a bit of credit.”

Not only are Shrewsbury the best side United have faced all season, winning the reverse fix - ture on Boxing Day 2-0 at a canter, their promotion challenge has been built on a superb home record.

Clarke agreed a win would surpass anything United have done this season.

He said: “Yes, probably, after the way they played against us in the home game.

“It’s going to be a good challenge for us, but more than anything we just have to get something after a really disappointing defeat.”

Derek Fazackerley, United’s assistant head coach, felt the visitors would be happy with a point.

He said: “I think a draw away from home at any time of the season is a good result, particularly when you’re going to a team challenging at the top of the league.”

United’s top scorer, Danny Hylton, is available again after serving a two-game suspension.

TODAY’S SQUADS

Shrewsbury Tn: from Leutwiler, Grandison, Goldson, Ellis, Gayle, Woods, Lawrence, Grant, Sharpe, Collins, Akpa Akpro, Barnett, Mandron, Mangan, Vernon, Southern, Demetriou, Halstead.

Oxford Utd: from Clarke, Baldock, Mullins, Wright, Skarz, MacDonald, Collins, Ruffels, O’Dowda, Hylton, Hoban, Roberts, Gnanduillet, Rasulo, Roofe, Rose, Dunkley, Long, Ashdown.