Oxford United begin life back in the second tier for the first time in 25 years with a home game against Norwich to open up the Championship season.

Date: 10/08/24

Kick-off time: 12:30

Venue: Kassam Stadium

Following last season’s 2-0 victory in the League One play-off final against Bolton, Oxford United are in the highest division they have been in since the 1999. They enjoyed a good season, finishing fifth, and have been rewarded with the opportunity to test themselves at the next level. It comes after eight consecutive seasons in League One, following a further two years in League Two.

Des Buckingham is beginning his second season in charge of the club and is looking to continue the momentum gained last year. Oxford United were amongst the highest scorers in their division with 79 goals, only three teams found the back of the net more times. They were not as strong at the back, though they conceded just once in three games during their run to the play-off final.

They face a Norwich team who are looking to bounce back from play-off disappointment, as they were eliminated by Leeds at the first stage. The finished sixth in the table, but were unable to get the job done. The Canaries will look to get back to the Premier League at the third time of asking since their relegation in 2022.

Defensively, Norwich were one of the weaker teams towards the top, with their 64 goals conceded the most amongst the top eight sides. Their issues continued into pre-season, with them keeping just one clean sheet in six games, which came in a 3-0 win over lower league Northampton.

A pair who could trouble them are Cameron Brannagan and Mark Harris. In the league, the duo scored 13 and 15 goals respectively, and are Oxford’s main threats. However, the visitors are the stronger side and will be favourites. Last season, they were led by Josh Sargent’s 16 goals, followed by 13 and 12 from Gabriel Sara and Jon Rowe.

This will be the first meeting in any capacity between these two sides since 1999, when they were both in the First Division. Historically, they have met 22 times dating back to 1968, with Norwich the superior side. The Canaries have won 11 games to Oxford’s seven, with five draws. In the last four games, there have been two wins each, and plenty of goals. There was a combined 15 goals in these four fixtures.