Oxford United kick off their 2022/23 campaign with a trip to recently relegated Derby County.
The U’s have had a rollercoaster summer with the departures of Ryan Williams, Mark Sykes and Luke McNally, while Anthony Forde and Joel Cooper have moved on. The club also released Sam Winnall and Jamie Hanson.
Following the sale of McNally to Burnley, Oxford saw the arrivals of defensive duo Ciaron Brown and Stuart Findlay before adding wingers Josh Murphy and Yanic Wildschut, along with goalkeeper Ed McGinty.
Derby have had a somewhat turbulent summer following their drop to the third tier for the first time since 1986. Several first-team players have left Pride Park but, under new ownership, have seen the arrival of Conor Hourihane, Tom Barkhuizen and James Collins, among others.
Oxford are without striker Sam Baldock through injury while Alex Rodriguez Gorrin is a doubt. Summer signing Wildschut is also sidelined but the U’s are boosted with the news that Cameron Brannagan has penned a new deal, despite a move to Blackpool being close.
Both teams are without a win from their last three pre-season friendlies, with the U’s failing to score in those matches.
The two sides haven’t met since 1994 when the Rams won 2-1 at home. The U’s won the reverse fixture at the Manor Ground and both sides have two wins each from the last four meetings.
Predicted line-up: Jack Stevens, Steve Seddon, Stuart Findlay, Elliott Moore, Sam Long, Marcus McGuane, Cameron Brannagan, James Henry, Marcus Browne, Josh Murphy, Matty Taylor.
Prediction: Derby County 0-1 Oxford United
