Oxford United play host to Burnley on Saturday afternoon looking to retain their place in the top half of the Championship standings.

At a time when the home side sit in ninth place, Burnley are in fourth and just three points adrift of the leaders.

Match preview

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Burnley started the season in such a dominating manner that the assumption was that they would cruise to the league title with minimal fuss.

Instead, they are now being made to work hard for every single point, needing to come from behind to record a 2-1 victory over winless Portsmouth last time out.

Although Scott Parker‘s side impressively defeated Leeds United by a solitary goal in the previous game, this was a reminder that they may not have things all their own way as the campaign progresses.

On the flipside, though, Burnley have encountered arguably the toughest starts of any team in the division having also played the likes of Luton Town, Sunderland and Blackburn Rovers.

That will fill Parker with optimism that they will kick on and make up the three-point deficit to West Bromwich Albion, preferably adding to their two clean sheets in the process.

Meanwhile, Oxford’s main aim for the season is simply surviving in the second tier after spending over two decades in the lower reaches of the EFL.

Nevertheless, Des Buckingham‘s side are currently performing like outside playoff contenders with nine points coming from their six games.

Despite three defeats coming on their travels, including last weekend’s 2-1 reverse at Bristol City, Oxford have won each of their home fixtures for the loss of just one goal.

Norwich City, Preston North End and Stoke City have all been beaten at the Kassam Stadium, leaving Burnley in no uncertain terms that they will face a challenge to end that streak on Saturday.

Oxford United Championship form:

Oxford United form (all competitions):

Burnley Championship form:

Burnley form (all competitions):

Team News

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With Josh McEachran needing to be withdrawn in the first half against Bristol City, Will Vaulks is expected to come into the Oxford XI.

Malcolm Ebiowei is an option on the flank, but Buckingham is unlikely to overly tinker with his side for this contest.

Despite victory last time out, Parker could make at least two changes to his Burnley starting lineup.

Bashir Humphreys is available again after suspension and may start at right-back, taking the spot of TJ Egan-Riley.

Jeremy Sarmiento could also feature in the final third instead of Jaidon Anthony, but as many as seven players remain on the injury list.

Oxford United possible starting lineup:
Cumming; Kioso, Moore, Brown, Leigh; Vaulks; Goodrham, Rodrigues, Mizouni, Dembele; Harris

Burnley possible starting lineup:
Trafford; Humphreys, Worrall, Esteve, Pires; Cullen, Brownhill; Koleosho, Mejbri, Sarmiento; Foster

We say: Oxford United 1-2 Burnley

With a perfect record at home, Oxford will fancy their chances of adding more points to their tally from this contest. However, we have to back the visitors, even if they have to work harder than perhaps anticipated to overcome the division newcomers.

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