Oxford United and Cardiff City meet in the Championship on Boxing Day in a huge clash between two relegation contenders.
Oxford United come into their clash with Cardiff City in dismal form but the tie marks the start of a new era at the Kassam Stadium.
Following the controversial sacking of Des Buckingham, the U’s have opted for vast Championship experience. Gary Rowett has taken the reins and will be tasked with leading the club to safety.
The Yellows were thrashed 4-0 by Leeds United last weekend, leaving them 23rd in the table but still only a point off safety.
Cardiff City are just above them on goal difference coming into the Boxing Day tie, also on 18 points after 21 games.
Any momentum built up under Omer Riza while he was in charge on an interim basis has well and truly waned and things are looking pretty bleak for the Bluebirds.
January will be a busy and crucial month in South Wales as they look to avoid relegation to League One.
Here, a handful of our writers make their predictions for the game…
James Ray
“In all honestly, the form these two sides are in, it’s hard to back either to win.
“Both have been on rotten runs in the Championship, but there is one factor that may just swing this in the favour of Oxford United, and that is the debut of new boss Gary Rowett.
“On home turf on Boxing Day, Rowett will be determined to give his new fans something to cheer about. And, against a dismal Cardiff City side, they stand a good chance of doing so.
“I wouldn’t be at all surprised if this ended level, but I’ll go for a big home win for Oxford.”
Prediction: Oxford United 1-0 Cardiff City
Harry Mail
“This is an important game at the bottom and Rowett will be hoping to start life with Oxford United with a positive result in front of his new fans.
“The U’s have been struggling for form though and have a lack of quality in their squad that they need to address in January.
“Cardiff City have been poor this season and will be low on confidence right now. Riza’s men could do with a big win here to lift their spirits.
“However, I can see this one being a draw which probably suits neither.”