Follow live coverage as Oxford United face Preston North End in the Championship today.
An increasingly competitive second tier in English football remains an intense and exciting competition, with the prize of a place in the Premier League on offer at the end of the season.
Relegation from the top flight last term means Luton, Burnley and Sheffield United are all back in the second tier this term and will be expected to push for play-off spots again at least, but so too will Norwich City, an improving Coventry and beaten play-off finalists Leeds United. At the other end of the table, Wayne Rooney is aiming to revive Plymouth’s fortunes after they narrowly avoided relegation last year, with Portsmouth and Derby the teams promoted from League One along with play-off final winners Oxford.
Follow live updates from today’s game in the live blog below.
Oxford United vs Preston North End
Match ends, Oxford United 3, Preston North End 1.
Oxford United vs Preston North End
Second Half ends, Oxford United 3, Preston North End 1.
Oxford United vs Preston North End
Ali McCann (Preston North End) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
Oxford United vs Preston North End
Foul by Ali McCann (Preston North End).
Oxford United vs Preston North End
Duane Holmes (Preston North End) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Oxford United vs Preston North End
Corner, Preston North End. Conceded by Will Vaulks.
Oxford United vs Preston North End
Attempt saved. Cameron Brannagan (Oxford United) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom left corner. Assisted by Mark Harris.
Oxford United vs Preston North End
Fourth official has announced 6 minutes of added time.
Oxford United vs Preston North End
Attempt missed. Jordan Storey (Preston North End) header from the centre of the box misses to the right. Assisted by Duane Holmes with a cross following a corner.
Oxford United vs Preston North End
Corner, Preston North End. Conceded by Greg Leigh.