Burton Albion 3 - 2 Oxford City

McGrath faces late Brewers test

Updated: November 7, 2009, 12:57 PM UK

Burton midfielder John McGrath will face a late fitness test ahead of Sunday's FA Cup clash with Oxford City.

McGrath twisted an ankle in training last week and is struggling to make the first-round tie while manager Paul Peschisolido has several other injury concerns.

Andy Corbett, who can play at full-back or in midfield, tore an abductor muscle in the reserves' 10-0 thrashing by West Brom in midweek and could be ruled out for two weeks.

Defender Paul Boertien has missed the last three matches with a knee injury and winger Keith Gilroy is still struggling to regain his fitness.

Gilroy has only managed only two reserve team outings this season after a long-term hamstring injury and is currently nursing a thigh strain which may take another week to shake off.

Oxford City manager Mike Ford looks set to be without at least four players.

Swine flu victim Jamie Brooks back but Mark Bell, who also has the illness, looks set to miss the game.

Andy Baird and Liam Malone are suspended, while Steve Davis is cup-tied and Richard Knight is having a fitness test on Saturday morning to see whether he is fit enough to play.

City have won four games to reach the first round proper and Ford insists his side can win in Derbyshire.

"When a team ultimately does defeat a side from a higher level something has to happened,'' he told Press Association Sport.

"The first thing is the keeper has to play well, then they've got to miss their chances.

"Thirdly, we've got to take any chances that come our way.

"And then we've got to play fantastically, and they've got to have an bad day.''

He added: "Paul Peschisolido (Burton manager) has mentioned an upset, it was the first thing they came out with. It is clearly on their mind.''