The U's Matchzone

League One Preview: Oxford United v Sunderland – Team News, Form and Prediction

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Oxford United need to bounce back this weekend when promotion rivals Sunderland visit Grenoble Road.

The U’s have suffered successive defeats in the last seven days against Plymouth and Morecambe respectively, resulting in a fall from the top six.

As for Sunderland, they scored a late winner against Gillingham last time out to move above the U’s into the playoff places. Alex Neil’s side are now unbeaten in their last seven games, which includes an away win over Wigan.

Oxford welcome back Cameron Brannagan and Elliott Moore from injury and illness respectively, but Sam Baldock and Marcus Browne remain sidelined.

As for the Black Cats, they are without Aiden McGeady, Lee Burge and Niall Higgins.

Matty Taylor netted his 20th league goal of the season against Morecambe while Brannagan has scored tines. However, Mark Sykes hasn’t found the net since New Year’s Day, so the U’s will need more goals from elsewhere.

Ross Stewart is Sunderland’s top scorer with 22 in all competitions while Nathan Broadhead netted his ninth of the campaign with a stoppage-time winner against the Gills.

Sunderland haven’t been at their best on the road this season. Despite winning at the DW Stadium, the Black Cats have only six victories on their travels from 20 games.

Oxford are yet to beat Sunderland in 90 minutes since their relegation to League One in 2018. The first four meetings all ended 1-1 (with Oxford winning on penalties in the Carabao Cup) but the Black Cats won the next three. The meeting at the Stadium of Light earlier this season also ended 1-1.

Predicted line-up: Jack Stevens, Steve Seddon, Luke McNally, Elliott Moore, Sam Long, Herbie Kane, Cameron Brannagan, James Henry, Mark Sykes, Ryan Williams, Matty Taylor.

Prediction: Oxford United 1-1 Sunderland

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