In the infamous words of General Melchett in the well loved series Blackadder Goes Forth, “Oxford’s a complete dump”. He was, of course, referring to the university (tongue in cheek), but it’s fair to say Oxford haven’t quite lived up to the heady heights of last season. Finishing fourth and reaching the playoff final was the culmination of a steady improvement in League One for the U’s, but they’ve suffered somewhat of a hangover this year and are languishing in 20th place. They’ve had their injury problems, something City (touch wood) have yet to really experience after the mickey take that was last Winter’s treatment room, but there’s been a lingering doubt that Karl Robinson’s men really have the fight to go again this season. Oxford have been, until recently, one of the stronger teams in the division and though things are slowly turning around for them, this is a game that, on paper, City can go into with confidence.
Last time out, Oxford played out a goalless draw at the Kassam Stadium which Robinson hailed as “something to build on.” They played a very young defensive line up, which battled hard to prove their worth to their manager and came away with a credible and well-earned clean sheet. This is quite poignant, given that before the Ipswich game Oxford went 18 games on the spin with no shutout, saving money on any clean sheet bonuses in their contracts.
The way Oxford play is hard to pin. They mix between going long and playing on the floor, but they have players that are both experienced and deadly if left unchecked. James Henry is a very capable player at this level, he can run a midfield if given the time and space and more often than not pops up with key goals in big games. Centre forward Matty Taylor was Oxford’s top scorer last season with seventeen goals in all competitions and already has four this term. He will be the man the City defence have to keep at bay if we want an easier afternoon. At the other end, former Leicester youth player Elliot Moore stands at 6ft 5 and is a big threat from set pieces, having scored twice this season already. Spanish holding midfielder Alex Gorrin is Oxford’s answer to Ritchie Smallwood, so expect a tasty battle there.
Oxford Team News
Oxford are without Cameron Brannagan and Malachai Napa, while Joel Cooper has returned to Northern Ireland due to personal reasons for the rest of the season (doesn’t sound good, wish him all the best). Sam Winnall continues his recovery and there’s a chance he may make the bench, though with such a hectic schedule, he may not be risked (I hope not, he feels like one of those players that always scores against us). Those aside, Karl Robinson is expected to name a similar side to the one that got that 0 – 0 against Ipswich, with the hopes of going one better against The Tigers.

Hull City Team News

City have no new injury concerns. Reece Burke has been cleared to play after getting his nose fixed, while Dan Batty closes in on a return and Jordy De Wijs sits in the stands. McCann has an embarrassment of options, but expect Magennis to keep his place over late match winner Tom Eaves.

Predicted Hull City XI: Ingram, Emmanuel, Greaves, Burke, Elder, Smallwood, Docherty, Honeyman, Wilks, KLP, Magennis