After a horrendous start the new season, Oxford United could not have faced a tougher opponent in the League Cup. The third-tier side has made it into the third round of the English League Cup but will face Man City.

And this David vs Goliath clash comes at an awful time for the home side. At the moment, they are struggling in League One, losing six of their nine games. In all competitions, they have won only four times this season and will have to overcome the defending Premier League and League Cup giant for a fifth victory.

To make things worse for Oxford, they will be without a number of key names for this cup game. Marcus Browne and Jamie Mackie remain on the sidelines while Samir Carruthers and Simon Eastwood are doubts for Tuesday's tie.

As for Guardiola's side, the Spaniard is likely to rotate his squad to hand minutes to players in need. The likes of Danilo and Otamendi could feature, while Riyad Mahrez is in contention for a start after his brace in the 5-0 win over Cardiff.

Match facts

• The last time these two sides locked horns was back in March 1998 and Oxford won 2-0.

• Their only encounter in a cup competition was back in January 1974, with the Citizens winning that tie 5-2.

• A defending League Cup champion has not lost to a third-tier side since October 1997.

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