A HOSTILE atmosphere will hold no fears for Oxford United when they visit Bristol Rovers tomorrow, according to Alex MacDonald.

The crowd at the Memorial Stadium has got used to success, watching 32 league wins in the past two seasons as the Gasheads have won promotion from the Vanarama Conference to Sky Bet League One.

United were one of the few sides to walk away with the points last season.

They had to absorb plenty of pressure in the game11 months ago, winning 1-0 thanks to a spectacular goal from Kemar Roofe.

Liam Sercombe and Ollie Clarke were dismissed and MacDonald is relishing the prospect of a similarly hard-fought encounter tomorrow.

He said: “It was feisty, but I think that comes from the atmosphere.

“We’re looking to take our gameplan to them and hopefully come away with something positive.

“Every away game, especially in League One with the bigger grounds, you’re going to have a lot more fans.

“It can really spur you on and give you that extra five or ten per cent when you need it.”

And MacDonald knows the home fans can have a detrimental impact on their side – if United can get on top.

He said: “We say that a lot about teams when we’re away from home.

“If we start well then the crowd may turn on them a little bit and have a negative effect on them.”

United were taken to extra-time in their 1-0 EFL Cup victory at Birmingham City on Tuesday night.

But any concerns over fatigue will have been eased by Rovers, who won by the same scoreline at home to Cardiff City, also playing 120 minutes.

With that game switched to Thursday for TV, the visitors have had an extra 48 hours to prepare.

MacDonald said: “We’re wrapped up in cotton wool so we’ll be recovered and ready to be as sharp as we can and looking forward to Sunday.”

United are without Chey Dunkley (hamstring), Christian Ribeiro (ankle) and Rob Hall (knee).

But they are optimistic Wes Thomas’s groin problem, which forced him off in midweek, will have recovered in time for the striker to be available.

Bristol Rov: from Mildenhall, Leadbitter, Lockyer, J Clarke, Hartley, Brown, O Clarke, Lines, Sinclair, Taylor, Harrison, McChrystal, Montano, Bodin, Easter, James, Gaffney, Puddy.

Oxford Utd: from Eastwood, Long, Nelson, Martin, Skarz, MacDonald, Sercombe, Lundstram, Maguire, Taylor, Hemmings, Thomas, Crowley, T Roberts, Rothwell, Ruffels, Welch-Hayes, Buchel.

l TICKETS went on sale last night for Oxford United’s home league derby clash with Swindon Town on Saturday, September 10 .

Fans wishing to buy tickets over the phone, can call the ticket office on 01865 337533 from 9.30am on Monday.