The Magpies head to the Kassam Stadium aiming to reach the Fifth Round of the Emirates FA Cup for the first time in more than a decade, opponents Oxford currently perched midway down League One.
Benitez’s side saw off Birmingham City to reach the last 32, drawing 1-1 in the Second City before seeing off the Blues 3-1 at St. James’ Park.
In both meetings, the Spaniard opted to shuffle his pack, with three youngsters – Dan Barlaser, Yasin Ben El-Mhanni and Stuart Findlay – handed debuts in the latter clash.
And, with a clutch of players ruled out and a further three at the Africa Cup of Nations, Benitez is again likely to rotate his squad for tomorrow’s tie.
“I think it is important to approach the game using the squad. We have three players at the Africa Cup of Nations, (Vurnon) Anita, (Dwight) Gayle and (Rolando) Aarons are injured, so we have to balance the team,” he said.
“You have to do it, because we do not have many bodies, and we have too many games in a row, so I think we need to balance the team with some young players, players coming back through injury and those who are already playing. We have been changing players during the whole season. Now, because of injuries and the Africa Cup of Nations, we have to manage the squad. If we can go through (to the Fifth Round) managing the squad, fantastic. If we cannot, we have to concentrate on the league, but I think we have to approach the game with a good team that can go through, and see where we go.”
Benitez revealed that both Jesus Gamez and Aleksandar Mitrovic will travel to the Kassam Stadium, the pair having recovered from their respective injuries.
Meanwhile, the Magpies’ boss again spoke of his “confidence” at being active in the transfer market between now and Tuesday, when the window closes once more.
“I am happy with the squad but we need to balance if possible. Always as manager, you want to improve,” he said.
“January is always quite difficult. Some teams do not want to sell, you do not have the right players (available), or prices are so high. Still, I am confident we can do something. We are working behind the scenes, trying to find players who can give balance to the squad. You can always adjust things, and you cannot control injuries.
“If you leave it to the last minute, sometimes you cannot do it. So, hopefully we can do it before Tuesday.”
