Cup Kick-Off at Cheltenham

Last updated : 08 November 2003 By Andy Beill
Captain Ian Ashbee returns to midfield after missing the last two games through suspension. He'll be joined in the middle by Stuart Green as usual, with Jason Price on the right. Stuart Elliott has been struggling with a virus this week, so Andy Holt could be recalled to the side on the left wing.

Alton Thelwell is still out with a foot injury, so either Marc Joseph or Richard Hinds will play at right-back.

Justin Whittle has been given a boost ahead of the game. He was tipped in some quarters to be dropped, especially after playing for the 'reserves' against Scunthorpe in the LDV Trophy.

However, Peter Taylor says this isn't the case: "I was disappointed with Justin Whittle's role in the two goals last week but it doesn't mean someone gets left out. I was disappointed with Marc Joseph at Oxford. I was disappointed with 'Mussy' last week but it doesn't mean I will leave people out. You've got to give things time."

Meanwhile, Taylor also backs strike pair Danny Allsopp and Ben Burgess to produce the goods, although he will have the option of bringing on Jamie Forrester, who has recovered from an ankle injury.

Steve Melton and Ryan France - who both went off with injuries in the LDV Trophy game on Tuesday - miss out, as does Greg Strong who could be out for three weeks with a knee injury. Dean Keates is in line for a recall to the bench.

Elsewhere, defender John Anderson is hoping to make his comeback from a broken foot in the reserves next week.

Expected line-up (4-4-2): Musselwhite; Joseph, Whittle, Delaney, Dawson; Price, Green, Ashbee, Elliott; Allsopp, Burgess.
Subs: Fettis, Hinds, Holt, Keates, Forrester.