The Bet365 Stadium will be welcoming a travelling Oxford United as they look to extend their run of seven games unbeaten in the Championship this season. Stoke City are on the brink of collapse, with only two points separating them from a relegation spot and shooting themselves down to the third tier of English football for the first time since the 2001/2002 season. Newly promoted Oxford United have held their own relatively well in the Championship, nestling in 14th place the U’s have been on a rollercoaster of form so far.
Stoke City have been on a run of poor form from their recent matches, with only one win from their last five games across all competitions on top of only one win from their last thirteen league games. Goals have been a massive problem all season for the Potters, collecting 26 goals and ranking themselves second in the league for most goals conceded in their campaign so far.
Their competition have enjoyed a slightly better season. With expectations low for midlands side Oxford United, they sit 14th place with a comfortable nine-point gap above the relegation zone. Oxford United have been superb in front of the home crowd this season, however their travelling record has been less desirable, acquiring only seven points away from the Kassam this season.
Formation: 4-5-1
Predicted Line-Up: Johansson; Wilson-Esbrand, Rose, Phillips, Tchamadeu; Koumas, Seko, Burger, Baker, Moran; Ennis
Stoke City will be looking to get to the end of the season remaining in the Championship. The Potters are on head coach number four so far with former Coventry City manager Mark Robins being the most recent man to take the reigns and is yet to get his first Championship win for the club. Robins received some awful news after obtaining the job, as star striker Tom Cannon was recalled by Leicester City and has since made a £10 million move to Sheffield United. The Irish striker had netted nine goals for the club before his departure, leaving a huge gap up top for Stoke City.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Predicted Line-Up: Cumming; Leigh, Brown, Helik, Kioso; Brannagan, Vaulks; Goodrham, Phillips, Placheta; Harris
Since Gary Rowett took over the Oxford job, the U’s have been on a remarkable run of form going unbeaten in the league but losing out in the FA Cup to Exeter City. Amongst this match, United winger Tyler Goodrham picked up a red card and after a failed appeal was forced to miss their next three matches. Having since served the ban, the 2003 born midfielder will be eligible to slot right back into the squad and help protect Rowett’s unbeaten league streak. With Tottenham Hotspur recalling Dane Scarlett from his loan spell at the Yellows, Mark Harris can continue to fire in the goals for Oxford United having already netted five.
In the reverse fixture at the Kassam Stadium it was Oxford who finished the game with a 1-0 victory through defensive midfielder Idris El Mizouni. United won the game commandingly, dominating both possession and having the better chances on goal.
Oxford United have struggled away from home this season while the hosts have struggled at the bet365 stadium. Rowetts side are the better of the two teams going into this game and they will be looking to continue their unbeaten run.
For this reason, our betting experts suggest Oxford to win and Both Teams To Score as the best value tip for this game. With odds at 6/1, a bet of £10 could see a return of up to £70
(odds subject to change)
Stoke City 1-2 Oxford United
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