League One Preview: Morecambe v Oxford United – Team News, Form and Prediction
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Oxford United kick off a new era under Liam Manning with a trip to Morecambe.
The U’s have suffered nine defeats in their last ten games but performances in the recent defeats against Lincoln and Derby under caretaker boss Craig Short have shown signs of improvement. Despite that, Oxford find themselves just three points clear of the drop.
Morecambe have dropped one place to 22nd after their 4-1 loss at home to Charlton on Tuesday night. It means they are now winless in five and have picked up just one victory in ten.
Oxford are without James Henry after picking up a hamstring injury in the defeat against Derby, while Lewis Bate is a doubt after going in for hand surgery this week.
Michael Mellon and Jacob Bedeau are out for the hosts, while Jake Taylor and Max Melbourne are both doubts.
The U’s are without a win in the last two meetings between the sides, with the Shrimps all but ending Oxford’s playoff chances last season with a 2-1 win in this fixture. Oxford have won twice from seven trips to the Mazuna Stadium.
Predicted line-up: Simon Eastwood, Brandon Fleming, Ciaron Brown, Elliott Moore, Sam Long, Djavan Anderson, Cameron Brannagan, Marcus McGuane, Oisin Smyth, Kyle Joseph, Gatlin O’Donkor.
Prediction: Morecambe 1-2 Oxford United