Oxford United return to league action this weekend as Karl Robinson takes his side to Portman Road to face Ipswich Town.
Both clubs will need an FA Cup replay after drawing their first-round ties against Bristol Rovers and Oldham Athletic respectively.
Despite not winning, Robinson’s side are now unbeaten in five games having won their previous four. As for the Tractor Boys, they have recorded three wins from their last four league games with a defeat coming against Plymouth.
The recent upturn in form has seen Paul Cook’s side move up to ninth in the table – four points behind Oxford in sixth.
The U’s are without Gavin Whyte after his call-up to the Northern Ireland squad. Alex Rodriguez Gorrin picked up a knock against the Gas and will miss a large spell of the season but Herbie Kane could return after missing the FA Cup match with a hamstring injury. Nathan Holland could also return.
Top-scorer Macauley Bonne has been called up for Zimbabwe but the striker could decline for a second time this season. Janoi Donacien returned against the Latics but Hayden Coulson is doubtful, while Jon Nolan and Tom Carroll remain sidelined.
Matty Taylor took his tally to seven goals after his strike against the Gas. Bonne has 11 for the hosts while Conor Chaplin has five. Former Oxford midfielder Wes Burns has scored four times.
Since Ipswich’s relegation to League One, they have failed to beat the U’s in four attempts. Both games at Grenoble Road ended goalless, as did this fixture last season, however Oxford won 1-0 at Portman Road the season before.
Predicted line-up: Simon Eastwood, Steve Seddon, Jordan Thorniley, Elliott Moore, Sam Long, Herbie Kane, Cameron Brannagan, James Henry, Nathan Holland, Mark Sykes, Matty Taylor.
Prediction: Ipswich Town 1-1 Oxford United
