Oxford United travel to league leaders Hull City fresh off the back of a derby victory over Swindon Town. The win was their first in seven games but it moves the U’s to just two points off the playoffs. During that run, the U’s managed three clean sheets but scored just once.
As for Hull, they moved top on goal difference on Saturday before easing past joint leaders Peterborough United on Tuesday night to extend their lead at the top by three points.
The Tigers are on a four game winning run but their last loss was a home defeat to Ipswich Town – a result which made it back to back home defeats.
Hull are the division’s top scorers have the third-best defensive record in the league. Mallik Wilks netted his 20th goal of the season against the Posh and has been nominated for February’s Player of the Month after netting six goals, including a hat trick, in seven games.
Striker Josh Magennis has added 11, Keane Lewis-Potter has also found the net on seven occasions while several players have scored three, including former Oxford winger Gavin Whyte, who is on loan from Cardiff City.
Magennis, Lewie Coyle and Alfie Jones are all doubts ahead of the game but winger Thomas Mayer has been ruled out for the rest of the season.
Brandon Barker netted his second goal since arriving on loan from Rangers on Tuesday where Dan Agyei netted the winner with his fifth of the campaign just seconds after coming on. Goalkeeper Jack Stevens made his second penalty save in as many games.
The U’s are still without several key players but could welcome back Elliot Lee, although Cameron Brannagan, Mide Shodipo and Jamie Hanson picked up knocks during the win over Swindon.
The two sides played out a 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture in what was the first meeting between the teams since 2004.
Predicted line-up: Jack Stevens, Josh Ruffels, Rob Atkinson, Elliott Moore, Anthony Forde, Alex Rodriguez Gorrin, Cameron Brannagan, Liam Kelly, Brandon Barker, Mark Sykes, Matty Taylor.
Prediction: Hull City 1-1 Oxford United
