Oxford United travel to Blackpool this weekend having suffered just one defeat from their last five league games. Despite the lack of defeats, Karl Robinson’s side have just one win from those fixtures but have picked up draws against three sides in the top four.
Blackpool are 12th in League One and have picked up seven wins but have also suffered seven defeats. However, the Tangerines have won five of their last six league games which include victories over Fleetwood Town, Portsmouth and Peterborough United.
But, like Oxford, Blackpool have struggled to score goals with just 16 coming in the league this season. Jerry Yates, who scored 14 goals from 35 games for Swindon last season, is the top scorer with five, while Gary Madine and CJ Hamilton have both scored four.
New manager Neil Critchley made 17 signings in the summer, including former Oxford players Luke Garbutt and Ben Woodburn. However, the duo have made just 12 appearances between them this season.
James Henry scored his third league goal of the season during the U’s 1-1 draw against league leaders Hull City on Saturday, while Matty Taylor will be looking to add to his tally of five goals. Alex Rodriguez Gorrin is just one booking away from a suspension, while Marcus McGuane is the only injury doubt.
Last season, the U’s lost this fixture 2-1 despite both managers agreeing that the U’s should have won the game. Robinson’s side did win the reverse fixture by the same scoreline. Just a few weeks after the reverse win, Oxford rejected an approach made by the Tangerines for Robinson to take over the reigns at the club.
Before last season, the U’s had won three games in succession against their opponents with Blackpool failing to score in each of them.
Predicted line-up: Jack Stevens, Josh Ruffels, Rob Atkinson, Elliott Moore, Sam Long, Alex Rodriguez Gorrin, Anthony Forde, Liam Kelly, Jordan Obita, James Henry, Matty Taylor.
Prediction: Blackpool 1-1 Oxford United
