MX23RW : Tuesday, December 17 12:20:31| >> :600:288188:288188:
[monks data]
Oxford United
League One | Gameweek 36
Mar 11, 2023 at 3pm UK
The Kassam Stadium
Derby logo

Oxford Utd
2 - 3
Derby

Long (14'), Joseph (90')
Brown (39')
FT(HT: 1-2)
Sibley (23', 40'), Long (61' og.)
Smith (59')

Preview: Oxford United vs. Derby County - prediction, team news, lineups

Sports Mole previews Saturday's League One clash between Oxford United and Derby County, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Oxford United will attempt to end a nine-game winless run when they welcome Derby County to the Kassam Stadium on Saturday.

The visitors, meanwhile, will be looking to return to winning ways after picking up just one point from their last two matches.


Match preview

Arsenal's Bukayo Saka in action with Oxford United's Marcus McGuane on January 9, 2023© Reuters

Oxford are still searching for a permanent manager after Karl Robinson was relieved of his duties following a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Bristol Rovers on February 25.

The temporary management team made up of Craig Short, Leon Blackmore-Such and Wayne Brown took charge of last Saturday's away meeting with Lincoln City, but the trio were unable to instigate an immediate upturn in fortunes.

Daniel Mandriou's 23rd-minute spot kick proved to be the only goal of the game, condemning Oxford to their fourth consecutive defeat.

Having picked up just one point from their previous nine games, the U's are languishing in 18th place in the League One table with three points separating them from the drop zone.

If Oxford are to preserve their League One status then they will need to improve on home turf after picking up 18 points from their 17 league games at the Kassam Stadium - only Forest Green Rovers and MK Dons have picked up fewer home points this season.

Derby County manager Paul Warne pictured on November 9, 2022© Reuters

While the U's are currently battling to remain in the third tier, Derby are aiming to finish in the top six, but their progress has slowed in recent weeks.

The Rams have won only two of their last seven games, and they have had to settle for a point from their last two fixtures despite taking the lead in both matches.

After giving up a two-goal advantage to draw with Shrewsbury Town last weekend, Derby opened the scoring in their midweek away meeting with second-placed Plymouth Argyle, however, they were unable to hold onto their narrow lead, conceding two second-half goals as they slumped to a third consecutive away defeat.

The Rams head into the weekend in the final playoff position, and they are four points clear of seventh-placed Wycombe Wanderers, who have a game in hand.

Derby will now turn their attention to Saturday's contest where they will attempt to complete a league double over Oxford after recording a 1-0 home victory when the two sides met on the opening day of the season.

Oxford United League One form:

Derby County League One form:


Team News

Derby County's James Collins celebrates scoring their first goal with teammates on January 8, 2023© Reuters

Oxford are expected to be without the services of Sam Baldock, Josh Murphy and Billy Bodin, although the latter is set to return to training on Monday.

After missing the last two games through injury, Tyler Smith will be among the substitutes for Saturday's encounter.

Marcus McGuane featured as a late substitute against Lincoln, and the midfielder is in contention to start against Derby.

As for the visitors, James Chester is unavailable as he builds up his fitness after spending over four months on the sidelines.

After missing the last eight games, Max Bird has returned to full training, and he may be fit enough to take his place on the bench.

Lewis Dobbin dropped out of the lineup for Tuesday's defeat to Plymouth, but the winger could return to the starting lineup on Saturday.

Oxford United possible starting lineup:
Eastwood; Long, Moore, Findlay, Brown; Bate, Brannagan, McGuane; Goodrham, Browne, Joseph

Derby County possible starting lineup:
Wildsmith; Smith, Forsyth, Cashin, Roberts; White, Hourihane; Mendez-Laing, Knight, Dobbin; McGoldrick


SM words green background

We say: Oxford United 0-2 Derby County

Although Derby's form has tailed off in recent weeks, we think that they will prove to be too strong for an Oxford side who have lost eight of their last nine matches.



For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.


Top tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting over 1.5 goals in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.Over 1.5:data


ID:508586:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect10581:
Written by
Ben Sully

Previews by email

Click here to get Sports Mole's daily email of previews and predictions for every major game!


Game History

How you voted: Oxford Utd vs Derby

Oxford United
36.8%
Draw
0.0%
Derby County
63.2%
19
Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna on February 7, 2023
Read Next:
Saturday's League One predictions including Ipswich vs. Sheffield Wednesday
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free match previews newsletter! Updates are sent twice a week.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd21145230111945
2Leeds UnitedLeeds21126337152242
3Burnley2111822681841
4Sunderland21117332171540
5Blackburn RoversBlackburn2011452517837
6Middlesbrough21104735251034
7Watford2010462926334
8West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom2171132416832
9Sheffield WednesdaySheff Weds218582630-429
10Swansea CitySwansea217682322127
11Bristol City216962626027
12Norwich CityNorwich216873632426
13Millwall206772018225
14Derby CountyDerby216692626024
15Coventry CityCoventry216692730-324
16Preston North EndPreston2141162127-623
17Stoke CityStoke215792328-522
18Queens Park RangersQPR2141072127-622
19Luton TownLuton2164112337-1422
20Oxford UnitedOxford Utd2046102133-1218
21Cardiff CityCardiff2046101932-1318
22Portsmouth193882134-1317
23Plymouth ArgylePlymouth2045111942-2317
24Hull City2137111930-1116


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!