Oxford United welcome Lincoln City on Saturday with the U’s looking to avoid a third straight defeat. Karl Robinson’s side lost at Bolton last weekend before being dumped out of the Carabao Cup against QPR on Tuesday night.
As for Lincoln, they’ll be hoping for a win after suffering back to back 1-0 defeats in League One against Bolton and Wycombe respectively. Prior to that, Michael Appleton’s side drew at Gillingham on the opening day before winning at home against Fleetwood.
Read: Classic Clash – Lincoln 0-6 Oxford United
Oxford’s injury list is still extreme but could be eased with the potential return of James Henry and Ryan Williams for the game, although Sam Long, Jamie Hanson and Billy Bodin remain sidelined.
Lincoln find themselves in a worse position with regards to injuries. Anthony Sculley, who has scored five goals this season, including a hat-trick against Manchester United U21s in the Football League Trophy, and fellow forward Dan Nlundulu both picked up knocks against the Red Devils, although Sculley may pull through.
Defender Max Melbourne has tested positive for Covid-19, striker Tom Hopper is absent with a head injury and summer signing Chris Maguire, defender Joe Walsh and midfielder Max Sanders are not yet close to a return.
The U’s won this fixture last season but lost the reverse match on the opening day of the campaign. Oxford had won the previous three meetings, including a record-breaking away win in the Football League in 2019, but had lost the five before that run.
Predicted line-up: Jack Stevens, Steve Seddon, Jordan Thorniley, Elliott Moore, Anthony Forde, Alex Rodriguez Gorrin, Cameron Brannagan, Mark Sykes, Gavin Whyte, Ryan Williams, Matty Taylor.
Prediction: Oxford United 1-1 Lincoln City
