Oxford United host Swansea City at the Kassam Stadium in their latest Championship outing this weekend.
Oxford United lost 2-0 away at Sunderland last time out. They slumped to a defeat at the Stadium of Light and will want to bounce back.
The U’s were promoted from League One last season after winning in the play-off final at Wembley against Bolton Wanderers. They went up from the third tier along with Portsmouth and Derby County.
Des Buckingham was brought in back in November last year after managerial spells in New Zealand and India and he has since done an impressive job. He has won 37.25% of matches in charge.
As for Swansea City, they are sat in 17th place in the table and are only a point behind their upcoming opponents. They have 13 points on the board from their first 12 fixtures.
The Swans were beaten 1-0 at home by Millwall last weekend and weren’t able to break down the Lions. Luke Williams’ side haven’t scored in their last five matches.
Here, a handful of our writers make their predictions for the game…
Harry Mail
“Oxford United have adapted well to life in the Championship so far. They are a tough nut to crack at the Kassam Stadium.
“The U’s haven’t lost at home yet this season and will want to keep that run going.
“As for Swansea City, they need to improve in front of goal and are struggling to score. They have found the net only eight times this term and have the worst attack in the division at the moment.
“I can’t see the Swans getting anything this weekend and believe the hosts will pick up all three points in the end.”
Prediction: Oxford United 2-0 Swansea City
James Ray
“Oxford United have a really good chance to get back to winning ways here. There might be a bit of frustration about their run of draws but it’s better to get those single point returns on the board than end games with nothing to show for their efforts.
“It could be crucial come next May.
“Swansea City might find themselves in big trouble if they don’t find form. They’re lacking firepower in attack and need to get a winning run going to settle nerves in South Wales.
“I think they’re left wanting here though. I’ll say Oxford get a welcome win on the board.”