Oxford United are back in action this Tuesday as the start to a busy month continues when the U’s welcome Newcastle United in their FA Cup fourth-round replay.
The two sides played out a goalless draw at St James Park last time out, with the winner facing a trip to Championship leaders West Brom.
On Saturday, Oxford recorded their first win of 2020 with a 2-1 win over Blackpool, while the Magpies were held to another goalless draw in the Premier League against relegation-threatened Norwich City.
Oxford welcomed back key players in the shape of Cameron Brannagan and James Henry for their win over the Tangerines, but it was loan signing Marcus Browne that stole the headlines with a terrific brace.
Despite losing two key players on deadline day in the shape of Shandon Baptiste and Tariqe Fosu, the U’s looked comfortable as they look to continue their promotion bid.
Newcastle also made a deadline day signing, bringing in England international Danny Rose from Tottenham, but the 29-year-old started as a substitute against the Canaries.
Another new signing, Nabil Bentaleb, made his debut against the U’s in the FA Cup clash, and he is likely to feature at the Kassam Stadium.
Steve Bruce’s side are 10th in the Premier League, just five points behind 5th placed Sheffield United, while the U’s remain 8th in League One but are now just three points behind Portsmouth in 6th.
Predicted line-up: Simon Eastwood, Josh Ruffels, Elliott Moore, Rob Dickie, Sam Long, Alex Rodriguez Gorrin, Cameron Brannagan, James Henry, Marcus Browne, Nathan Holland, Matty Taylor.
Prediction: Oxford United 1-0 Newcastle United
