Tommy Mooney and Lee Bradbury will spearhead the Oxford attack, representing on of the best strikforces in the League Two.
For Shrewsbury, Duane Darby is still missing, and Martin O'Connor will also not feature. From the rest of the squad, Dave Walton and Trevor Challis are battling injuries, but Kevin Street is available. Jimmy Quinn must decide whether to strart Jamie Tolley after his mid-week display.
Both teams will be looking for a win to boost the start to their respective seasons. Oxford boss Rix said: 'We need to win, it's as simple as that.
Shrewsbury have never lost at the Kassamstadium. Here's hoping they don't start now.