Oxford United welcome Leicester City this weekend as Championship action resumes following the international break.
Oxford United head into this weekend’s encounter with Leicester City after collecting their first point of the campaign last time out, drawing 2-2 with Coventry City. After the opening four fixtures, only Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday are below OUFC in the standings.
It has been a worrying start for the U’s, who battled hard to turn their season around and avoid relegation under Gary Rowett’s seasoned guidance last term.
Following a 1-0 opening-day defeat at home to Portsmouth, the Yellows pushed Hull City in a frantic first half but were undone by a stoppage-time Oli McBurnie strike, losing 3-2. They then suffered a third consecutive league loss at Birmingham City last weekend, going down 1-0 at St. Andrew’s.
This weekend’s visitors Leicester City have begun life back in the Championship impressively. Many expected them to falter after a turbulent summer, but the early indications are encouraging for the Foxes.
Marti Cifuentes’ men have collected nine points from their first four matches, defeating Sheffield Wednesday, Charlton Athletic and Birmingham City.
A triumph at the Kassam Stadium would make it three victories on the bounce for the Foxes and could see them draw level at the top of the Championship table.
Here, a few of our writers share their forecasts for the match…
Charlie Hodgson:
“Oxford United’s start to the year does not get any easier here. A first win is desperately needed for OUFC, but against a solid Leicester City side they could be in trouble.
“The Foxes looked very good in their last outing against Birmingham City. They still have many quality players in their ranks despite losing some key players.
“With that said, I cannot see Oxford coming away with a win here. However, I do think they will take something from the tie.”
Prediction: Oxford United 1-1 Leicester City
James Ray:
“It isn’t looking great for Oxford United early on, but these are very early days, and their showing in the 2-2 draw against Coventry City was far more promising. That has to be something they build upon as they fight to grind out another result against a promotion hopeful.
“Leicester City will be brimming with confidence though. That win against Birmingham City was a great one, and despite the troubles, Cifuentes is getting some good performances out of this group.
“No one will doubt it is a talented side, but personally, I thought the Foxes would struggle more given the wider mood around the off-pitch situation. Their early success is a testament to the new boss though, and I think his efforts are rewarded with another win here.”
Prediction: Oxford United 0-2 Leicester City