Sports Mole previews Saturday’s Championship clash between Oxford United and Swansea City, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.
Oxford United and Swansea City square off on Saturday afternoon each looking to end prolonged winless streaks in the second tier.
There is just one point separating the teams, who sit in 14th and 17th place in the Championship standings respectively.
Match preview
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Having gone seven matches without success in the Championship, Oxford could have been feeling downhearted about their current run of form.
However, Des Buckingham‘s side have posted five draws during that period to ensure that they remain three points clear of the relegation zone.
Furthermore, their only defeat in six outings came last weekend when they went down 2-0 at the hands of current runaway leaders Sunderland.
Having failed to prevail on their travels since promotion, it came as no surprise that last season’s League One playoff winners failed to upset the odds in the North-East.
In sharp contrast, however, Oxford head into this contest with 12 points from their six matches at the Kassam Stadium, remaining unbeaten and conceding just the three goals.
That effort could prove to be an issue for a Swansea outfit who have accumulated just four points on their travels and scored only two goals.
Luke Williams‘ side have been outstanding from a defensive standpoint, shipping just eight goals in their 12 second-tier games this season.
On the flip side, though, they have scored the same amount of strikes at the other end, not netting more than twice in a single fixture since the middle of August.
Currently on a run of failing to score in five successive games, Williams is aware that pressure is mounting if he wants to remain at the helm.
Oxford United Championship form:
Swansea City Championship form:
Team News
© Imago
Oxford will be missing Joe Bennett, Cameron Brannagan, Siriki Dembele, Kyle Edwards, Matt Phillips and Przemyslaw Placheta until after the November international break.
As a result, Buckingham has limited options when it comes to tinkering with his starting lineup, but the likes of Greg Leigh and Josh McEachran are both in contention for recalls.
Meanwhile, Williams could make changes in midfield and attack as he bids to end Swansea’s run without a goal.
Liam Cullen could move further forward to replace Zan Vipotnik, with Ollie Cooper potentially coming back into the side.
Andy Fisher, Josh Ginnelly and Eom Ji-sung are all sidelined for Swansea.
Oxford United possible starting lineup:
Cumming; Kioso, Moore, Nelson, Brown; Vaulks; Goodrhram, Rodrigues, Mizouni, Harris; Scarlett
Swansea City possible starting lineup:
Vigouroux; Key, Cabango, Darling, Tymon; Grimes, Franco; Ronald, Cooper, Peart-Harris; Cullen
We say: Oxford United 1-0 Swansea City
Although both teams are going through a period where a win feels further way than it once did, we can only back Oxford to prevail from this contest courtesy of their impressive home record, one which comes accompanied with a strong defensive effort.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.