Oxford United return to league action for the first time since a 5-1 win over Burton Albion at the start of the month when the U’s travel to Northampton.
Karl Robinson’s side did play on Tuesday night in the Football League Trophy, winning 1-0 against Cambridge United.
Despite not playing after the Burton win – as a result of their League One fixture against Doncaster Rovers being postponed – the U’s remained 12th in the table and are just five points off a playoff spot after going seven league games unbeaten.
A return to action against Northampton will be a welcome boost, particularly as the Cobblers were one of the sides Oxford beat during their recent run. However, it does start a run of four games in just 14 days for the U’s.
Karl Robinson’s side knocked four past Northampton last month in what was the first of four successive league wins. Matty Taylor netted a brace, while Mide Shodpio also got himself on the score sheet alongside Dan Agyei.
Oxford have no new injury concerns and welcome back Liam Kelly after missing the trip to Burton through suspension. Cameron Brannagan made his first appearance since October against the Brewers, and his first start on Tuesday, while Sam Winnall also made a return.
For Northampton, Keith Curle is still without a select few but does have joint top scorers Harry Smith, Danny Rose and Sam Hoskins available, with the trio all on four goals this season. Defender Alan Sheehan looks likely to miss out.
Since the defeat against Oxford, Northampton have one win, one draw and one loss from their three league games, but this will also be their first league game for two weeks.
The U’s are yet to bring any new faces to the club but have seen the departure of Sean Clare to Burton Albion on loan. Cobblers have signed two forwards in Ryan Edmondson and Mickel Miller.
Oxford’s win last time out was the U’s first in nine meetings between the two sides, which includes five Northampton wins.
Predicted line-up: Jack Stevens, Josh Ruffels, Rob Atkinson, Elliott Moore, Sam Long, Alex Rodriguez Gorrin, Marcus McGuane, Liam Kelly, Mide Shodipo, James Henry, Matty Taylor.
Prediction – Northampton Town 0-3 Oxford United
