Oxford United welcome AFC Wimbledon on Boxing Day having not played since a 4-0 win over Northampton Town on December 15.
The U’s were due to face Bristol Rovers at the weekend but the game was called off after the Gas had confirmed positive cases of coronavirus. As a result, Karl Robinson’s side have had an 11-day break between games.
Oxford head into the game unbeaten in five in all competitions, which includes draws against Ipswich Town, Hull City and Blackpool.
As for the Dons, they are without a win in four league games, picking up just one point in a 1-1 draw at Sunderland. As a result, Glyn Hodges’ side have dropped down the table and sit just two points and two places above Oxford in 15th.
Oxford are close to having a fully fit squad. Cameron Brannagan and Sam Winnall both featured in an in-house friendly last week and the latter could make a return to the bench. Rob Atkinson should return with his replacement for the Northampton win in John Mousinho likely to return to the bench.
Matty Taylor took his tally to seven goals with a brace against the Cobblers while Mide Shodipo added his third of the campaign. But Taylor, Alex Rodriguez Gorrin and Liam Kelly are all just one booking away from a suspension.
Joe Pigott is the in-form forward in League One, having scored 12 goals in all competitions with ten coming in the league. 20-year-old right midfielder Ryan Longman has also scored five goals since joining on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion.
The U’s have a good record against AFC Wimbledon, winning 12 from 19 meetings. Oxford have also won their last three against the Dons and are unbeaten in four. Karl Robinson’s side won this fixture 5-0 last season in what was one of the final games before lockdown.
Predicted line-up: Jack Stevens, Josh Ruffels, Rob Atkinson, Elliott Moore, Sam Long, Alex Rodriguez Gorrin, Marcus McGuane, Liam Kelly, Jordan Obita, James Henry, Matty Taylor.
Prediction: Oxford United 2-0 AFC Wimbledon
