On Saturday, January 24, Oxford United will take on Leicester City at the King Power Stadium at 3:00 PM. This match is particularly significant as it marks Oxford’s first visit to this venue.
Match Preview: Oxford United vs Leicester City
Both teams are looking to capitalize on recent form as they meet in this exciting Championship clash. Matt Bloomfield, the new manager of Oxford United, aims to convert the team’s positive start into a winning effort after two goalless draws. With a current record of one win, two draws, and two losses from their last five games, Oxford remains eager to find the back of the net.
Current Form
- Oxford United: W1 D2 L2
- Leicester City: W2 D1 L2
Leicester City is positioned 14th in the EFL Championship standings. They have faced a mixed bag of results after being relegated from the Premier League. Currently, they are just five points away from playoff contention.
Previous Encounters
The last meeting between the sides resulted in a thrilling 2-2 draw at the Kassam Stadium in September. This match was notable as it marked the first clash between the two teams since 1994.
Historically, Oxford has faced Leicester on 28 occasions, securing six wins and 11 draws. These teams have rarely met in recent years, making this matchup even more intriguing.
Key Players
Several players will be pivotal in determining the outcome of this match:
- Jordan James – The talented midfielder has scored nine goals this season, providing momentum to Leicester’s offense.
- Cam Brannagan – Oxford’s captain looks to regain form and will play a crucial role in midfield battles.
- Jamie McDonnell – After making an impressive debut, the Northern Irish international aims to disrupt Leicester’s attacking plays.
Team News
- Oxford United will miss Tyler Goodrham, Nik Prelec, and Jamie Donley due to long-term injuries.
- Jin Woo Jeon, a recent signing, might make his debut and add creativity to Oxford’s attack.
- Leicester City are concerned about the fitness of Jordan James, who sustained a hamstring injury in their last game. Oliver Skipp may also miss the match.
Defensive Challenges
Leicester’s defense has been shaky this season, with only Sheffield Wednesday and West Bromwich Albion conceding more goals in the Championship. Conversely, Oxford aims to maintain their streak of clean sheets to combat Leicester’s potent forward line, which includes players like Jordan Ayew and Stephy Mavididi.
Final Thoughts
This clash at the King Power Stadium promises to be an exciting encounter. With both teams seeking crucial points, it will be intriguing to see whether Oxford can continue their strong start under Bloomfield or if Leicester will assert their dominance at home.
Fans are keenly anticipating the match to see how the strategies unfold and which team can capitalize on the opportunities presented.
