Oxford United and Stoke City return to Championship action on Saturday afternoon looking for the victory that will move either of them towards the top six in the standings.
These two sides are currently sitting in ninth and 11th position respectively courtesy of having accumulated six points from their first four matches.
Match preview
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Even having generally impressed in their first season back in the Championship for more than two decades, Oxford were in need of a bounce-back win before the international break.
Three successive defeats - albeit all on the travels - had been posted in all competitions ahead of a home encounter against Preston North End.
Oxford defied conceding an early goal to run out 3-1 victors over opponents who had been on a significant upturn having recently changed their head coach.
Des Buckingham's side have now recorded three wins and seven goals from their three fixtures at the Kassam Stadium this season, winning each of those games.
Since the start of March, Oxford have only suffered one competitive defeat on familiar territory, something that will not be lost on their next opponents.
Although Stoke suffered consecutive defeats at one point in August, they have twice put together back-to-back victories in all competitions.
Each of those wins have been accompanied with clean sheets, the latest coming at Plymouth Argyle before the international break as Steven Schumacher watched the Potters beat his former club by a 1-0 scoreline.
Stoke may have only netted three times in their four second-tier fixtures, yet the five that they netted at Middlesbrough in the EFL Cup showcased the quality they have in their ranks.
With Fleetwood Town to come at home in that tournament, there is potential for a deep run, but the immediate focus will be on ensuring that they put themselves into the mix for the playoffs at this early point in the campaign.
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Team News
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With Joe Bennett having been ruled out for the rest of 2024, Greg Leigh will come into the Oxford XI at left-back.
Siriki Dembele could also be brought into the final third with Matt Phillips having been forced off injured against Preston two weeks ago.
Kyle Edwards may be included on the substitutes' bench having re-joined the club on a free transfer.
Stoke will assess the fitness of Lewis Koumas after the 18-year-old featured in both of Wales' games in the UEFA Nations League.
The same side that started the Plymouth game could potentially be named, with Schumacher hopeful of having Michael Rose, Enda Stevens and Jordan Thompson back in contention after injury.
Oxford United possible starting lineup:
Cumming; Kioso, Long, Brown, Bennett; Dembele, Rodrigues, McEachran, Brannagan, Goodrham; Harris
Stoke City possible starting lineup:
Johansson; Tchamadeu, Phillips, Wilmot, Bocat; Moran, Burger, Bae; Manhoef, Mmaee, Koumas
We say: Oxford United 2-2 Stoke City
Oxford will head into this contest with every expectation that they will make it three successive wins at the Kassam Stadium. However, we are backing the visitors to earn a share of the spoils in what we anticipate being an entertaining encounter.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Darren Plant
