Oxford United play host to Middlesbrough on Saturday afternoon looking for the win that will move them away from the relegation zone.
At a time when the home side sit in 16th position in the Championship table, Middlesbrough are seventh after putting together back-to-back wins before the international break.
Match preview
© Imago
Des Buckingham would have happily taken Oxford sitting two points above the relegation zone heading into the November international break had it been offered to him beforehand.
However, Oxford are on a run of just one win in 10 games, with that coming at home to Hull City by a 1-0 scoreline on November 5.
Their form at the Kassam Stadium was always going to be pivotal in their survival bid, yet registering 15 points from eight games is perhaps far better than they realistically envisaged.
Buckingham can also take the positives from not conceding more than two goals in any of the aforementioned matches, albeit with just two clean sheets being recorded.
Last time out, Oxford only went down 1-0 to promotion-chasing Watford, and positives will be taken from that performance ahead of facing opponents in similar form.
There was a time earlier in the season when Middlesbrough were struggling for goals, with their lack of a ruthless streak preventing them from remaining higher in the table.
Michael Carrick's side have since turned things around, scoring nine goals in victories over Queens Park Rangers and Luton Town.
Although there was a 3-0 defeat at home to Coventry City that preceded that double-header, Boro have 24 points from 15 games and are now seemingly on the right path.
Boro also possess the sixth-best away record having played a game fewer than the five teams above them in those particular standings, giving them the belief to attack this contest.
Team News
© Imago
Although Buckingham deployed a back three last time out, he is likely to revert to Oxford's more familiar 4-2-3-1 formation.
Idris El Mizouni should be drafted back into the starting lineup with Peter Kioso the player likely to drop out.
If Cameron Brannagan and Przemyslaw Placheta are available after injury, they will likely be restricted to appearances on the substitutes' bench.
Middlesbrough midfielders Hayden Hackney and Aidan Morris are both fitness doubts after picking up issues while on international duty.
Jonny Howson and Dan Barlaser are on standby to deputise if required in what may prove to be the only changes.
Oxford United possible starting lineup:
Cumming; Avest, Nelson, Moore, Brown; Vaulks, McEachran; Goodrham, El Mizouni, Leigh; Scarlett
Middlesbrough possible starting lineup:
Dieng; Djiksteel, Edmundson, Clarke, Ayling; Morris, Hackney; Doak, Azaz, Burgzorg; Latte Lath
We say: Oxford United 1-1 Middlesbrough
Oxford's form at home will ensure that Middlesbrough are not complacent about facing one of the smaller teams in the division. Nevertheless, we do not think it will be enough to earn more than a share of the spoils, a result that will suit the home side more so than the visitors.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Darren Plant
