Oxford United will play at Grenoble Road for the first time this season when the U’s welcome Charlton Athletic.
Karl Robinson’s side drew 1-1 at newly-promoted Cambridge United in their League One opener last weekend before winning on penalties against Burton Albion in the Carabao Cup.
As for the Addicks, they played out a goalless draw with Sheffield Wednesday on the opening day before falling to defeat against AFC Wimbledon in the cup.
Charlton finished last season level on points with the U’s but missed out on a spot in the playoffs on goal difference. However, many are tipping both clubs to be in and around the mix come the end of the season.
Like many other teams in the division, Charlton have had a major reshuffle during the summer transfer window. Nigel Adkins has seen seven players depart while he has brought six new faces, including striker Jayden Stockley, goalkeeper Craig MacGillivray and midfielder Sean Clare – from Oxford.
Oxford are without Elliott Moore, who is recovering from a chest infection, but Sam Long could feature in some capacity for the first time this season. For Charlton, former Oxford loanee Jake Forster-Caskey is the only absentee as a result of a cruciate ligament injury.
Charlton went unbeaten against the U’s last season with this fixture ending in a goalless draw, thanks largely to a stoppage-time penalty save from Jack Stevens. The fixture at the Valley ended in a 2-0 win for the Addicks. However, the U’s had gone seven games unbeaten prior to last season.
Predicted line-up: Jack Stevens, Steve Seddon, Jordan Thorniley, Luke McNally, Anthony Forde, Cameron Brannagan, Marcus McGuane, James Henry, Gavin Whyte, Ryan Williams, Matty Taylor.
Prediction: Oxford United 1-1 Charlton Athletic
