Oxford United will be looking to extend their unbeaten run to ten league games when Wigan Athletic visit Grenoble Road on Saturday.
Karl Robinson’s side are just three points behind the Latics following their win at MK Dons last time out, while Leam Richardson’s side drew at home against Ipswich.
Wigan are unbeaten in 11 matches in all competitions with their last defeat coming at home against Lincoln in October.
The U’s are without Jordan Thorniley after his red card against the Dons but welcomed back Cameron Brannagan from injury earlier than expected. Jack Stevens could also return to the squad after playing 45 minutes in a friendly against Brentford B but Karl Robinson confirmed on Thursday that one unnamed player has tested positive for Covid.
Charlie Wyke is the noticeable absentee from the Wigan squad while Jordan Cousins is a doubt. Striker Will Keane has netted nine goals while winger Callum Lang has added 11. Midfielder James McClean also has eight goal contributions this season.
For Oxford, Matty Taylor took his tally to ten for the campaign while Mark Sykes’ strikes in the wins over Doncaster and MK have taken him to six goals for the season.
Oxford have one of the best home records in the league, losing just once. However, Wigan lead the table on the road, having picked up 22 points on their travels this season.
The two sides have only met a handful of times over the years but the U’s did the double over Wigan two seasons ago with a 2-1 victory both on the road and at home. However, the Latics were unbeaten in the previous seven (winning six in succession), which included a 7-0 victory at Grenoble Road.
Predicted line-up: Simon Eastwood, Steve Seddon, Luke McNally, Elliott Moore, Sam Long, Herbie Kane, Cameron Brannagan, James Henry, Nathan Holland, Mark Sykes, Matty Taylor.
Prediction: Oxford United 1-1 Wigan Athletic
