Oxford United vs Preston: Lineups, Predictions & Betting Tips

Oxford United vs Preston: Lineups, Predictions & Betting Tips

Match Details: December 13, 2025 | The Kassam Stadium | EFL Championship | 12:30 GMT

Precarious hosts Oxford see a visit from up north in this Saturday's early kick-off. Visitors Preston will be hoping to regain the form of earlier this season that has led them to 4th place in the Championship table. Oxford meanwhile are in vital need of points to escape their precarious position of sitting just above the drop zone, if results go against them this weekend they could find themselves in the relegation zone.

Key Betting Tip: Over 2.5 goals and BTTS at 2.50 odds represents excellent value based on the tip provided by our team of in-house tipsters.

Oxford United vs Preston Predicted Lineups:

Oxford United (4-2-3-1): Cumming, Leigh, Helik, Davies, Brown, Vaulks, De Keersmaecker, ter Avest, Harris, Lankshear, Harris

Preston (3-4-1-2): Iversen, Storey, Lindsay, Hughes, Offiah, Thompson, Armstrong, Small, Whiteman, Dobbin, Jebbison

Head to Head Record Evaluation:

1. Preston 1-1 Oxford United | 04/01/25
2. Oxford United 3-1 Preston | 31/08/24

The sides are only recently discovered opposition following Oxford's promotion in the 23/24 season from League One. However they have produced some entertaining games in their last few encounters.

Oxford despite respective league positions surprisingly have the bragging rights in this specific tie having not yet lost to Preston. In their two games Oxford have won once and drawn once, so expect Preston to want payback and even the scores in this one.

Recent Oxford United and Preston Form Analysis:

Last 5 Oxford United Games:

1. Oxford United 1-1 Middlesborough
2. Norwich 1-1 Oxford United
3. Oxford United 2-1 Ipswich
4. Swansea 2-0 Oxford United
5. Blackburn 1-1 Oxford United

In their last 5 outings Oxford have shown what can only be described as a highly mixed vein of form. They have only lost 1 however they have also only won 1 making the other 3 games all draws, hardly form that will drag them up the table and away from the drop zone.

In these 5 games they have been unable to keep a singular clean sheet whilst conceding 6 again this doesn't particularly indicate a total inability to defend but its just average at best. It's a similar story up front for Oxford as they have bagged 5 goals for themselves in this time.

Last 5 Preston Games:

1. Preston 1-2 Blackburn
2. Watford 1-1 Preston
3. Sheffield Wednesday 2-3 Preston
4. Preston 1-1 Wrexham
5. Preston 1-1 Coventry

Despite being at the other end of the table and sitting in a play-off spot as of writing Preston funnily enough have shown identical form in their past 5 games as Saturday's opposition. They have also only won 1 game and only lost 1 game, drawing 3.

In this time they similarly have been unable to keep a singular clean sheet shipping 7, indicating a worse defence than Oxford. However, they have scored at a better rate having bagged their own 7 in the same period showing they can punish opposition defences.

Oxford United vs Preston Predictions:

Our advanced algorithm analyses over 200 data points to generate these predictions with 65% confidence in over 2.5 goals scored and 76.70% confidence in Both Teams To Score. The model factors in current form, head-to-head records, player availability, and tactical matchups.

Best Oxford United vs Preston Betting Tips:

Football Park's Best Bet: Over 2.5 Goals & BTTS @ 2.50 - Our team of in-house betting tipsters have predicted over 2.5 goals and Both Teams To Score in this fixture. Their respective forms, individual quality, and head-to-head record justify confidence in this selection.

Key Players To Watch:

Lewis Dobbin (Preston):

Arriving on loan from Aston Villa late in the window, Lewis Dobbin has arguably exceeded expectations so far this window and has been a vital cog in the Preston attack and dragging them to 4th in the Championship table.

He is currently leading the overall goal contribution list for the side with 9. Specifically he has shown his creative prowess by being top of the teams assist charts with 5 and joint top of the goal scoring charts in a 3 way tie all on 4 goals scored.

Will Lankshear (Oxford United):

Speaking of loanees Oxford have one of their own that has been a shining light for the side in their campaign so far. At just 20 years old Will Lankshear may yet prove to be one of the key factors if Oxford go on to survive in the Championship this season.

Lankshear is joint top leader for overall goal contributions for Oxford in the league tied on 5 with Cameron Brannagan. All of the young forwards contribution shave come through goal scoring, he tops the leader board for most club goals in the league with 5 and as of yet has been unable to provide an assist. If his goal scoring keeps up though and he helps keep the side from relegation we very much doubt fans will be bothered about the creative numbers.

Oxford United vs Preston Match Facts:

Broadcast Details: Sky Sports+ (UK)

Referee: English referee James Linington will take charge of the game on Saturday.

Stadium Information: The game will take place at the Kassam Stadium in Oxford, England, home of Oxford United. The stadium has a capacity of 12,500.