The Black Cats will be looking to maintain their leader spot in the league.
EFL Championship leaders Sunderland will welcome Oxford United in their backyard. The Black Cats have started their campaign in the right manner and are well on track to return to the top flight. They come into this game on the back of three wins and a draw in their last four outings and are undefeated in October. The hosts will be aiming to build upon their good run of form and home advantage come Saturday.
Oxford United on the other hand have struggled to convert their draws into wins. The Yellows come into this game after playing out five back-to-back draws. Des Buckingham’s men have dropped 10 points from winning positions across all competitions this season, but have rescued six points from a losing position. They are currently placed 11th on the table with 14 points in hand.
Kick Off
Saturday, October 26, 7:30 PM IST
Venue: Stadium of Light
Form
Sunderland (in all competitions): W-W-D-W-L
Oxford United (in all competitions): D-D-D-D-D
Players to watch
Romaine Mundle (Sunderland)
The English winger has established himself as one of Sunderland’s go-to players in their attacking lineup. Romaine has found the back of the net four times this season and all of his goals have come in a winning cause. He is known for his pace, agility and ability to take on defenders and score past them. He possesses a great potential and will have a key role to play if Sunderland are to make a return to the Premier League.
Mark Harris (Oxford United)
Mark Harris has been one of the shining stars for Oxford United this season. He played a crucial role in Oxford’s promotion to the Championship with 19 goal contributions last season. Harris is a constant threat to the opposition defenders, thanks to his pace, versatility and game-reading abilities. He has scored four times this season and is his side’s top scorer.
Match facts
- Oxford United have never won a game against Sunderland since 1994
- The last meeting between the two sides was back in April 2022
- The Black Cats are unbeaten at home this season
Sunderland vs Oxford United: Betting Tips and Odds
- Tip 1: Sunderland to win – 1/2 by PADDYPOWER
- Tip 2: Wilson Isidor to score anytime – 6/4 by Skybet
- Tip 3: Both teams to score – 5/6 by Bet365
Injury & Team News
Sunderland will miss Ajibola Alese, Ian Poveda, Jenson Seelt, and Niall Hughins who are on the sideline for this game. Also, Salis Abdul Samed and Ahmed Abdullahi.
Oxford United are expected to have a fully fit squad available for selection.
Head-to-head
Total Matches played – 9
Sunderland wins – 4
Oxford United wins – 0
Draws – 5
Predicted Line-up
Sunderland (4-3-3):
Patterson (GK); Hume, Mepham, O’Nien, Cirkin; Rigg, Neil, Bellingham; Roberts, Isidor, Mundle
Oxford United (4-1-4-1):
Cumming (GK); Kioso, Moore, Nelson, Brown; Vaulks; Goodrham, Rodrigues, Mizouni, Dembele; Harris
Prediction
Sunderland are flying high and will be aiming to cement their lead at the top of the table. Moreover, they have a phenomenal record against Oxford United. Expect them to add three more points to their tally.
Prediction: Sunderland 3-2 Oxford United
Telecast
India – FanCode
UK – Sky Sports Football
US – CBS Sports Network, Paramount+
Nigeria – No Telecast
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