Oxford United will be looking to put an end to a run of three successive league defeats this Saturday when an unbeaten Coventry City visit the Kassam Stadium.
The U’s may have progressed to the third round of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night after a 4-2 win on penalties against Millwall, while The Sky Blues were dumped out by Watford, but their league forms are indifferent.
Oxford lost at away at Blackpool and Bristol Rovers either side of a home defeat against Burton Albion, but started the season brightly with a draw at Sunderland and win over Peterborough United.
In recent weeks, the U’s defence has been tested. In the three defeats, Karl Robinson’s side conceded nine goals and even allowed two against Millwall despite fighting back in the cup tie.
Coventry meanwhile has win three of their five league games, and despite a goalless draw against a youthful Bolton Wanderers, Mark Robins’ side also drew at Portsmouth.
Defender Michael Rose could be key for the visitors, having played every game and scoring once. Jordan Shipley and Zain Westbrooke have both made seven appearances in midfield, with the pair each scoring once, while Jordy Hiwula has netted three from seven appearances.
The U’s made eight changes for their Carabao Cup clash, and with defensive frailties and the injury to striker Matty Taylor, Robinson may need to reshuffle his starting line-up again.
Midfield duo Cameron Brannagan and Alex Rodriguez Gorrin are also likely to miss out through injury, but it’s likely both full-backs will return.
Predicted line-up: Simon Eastwood, Chris Cadden, Elliott Moore, Rob Dickie, Josh Ruffels, John Mousinho, Shandon Baptiste, Mark Sykes, Tariqe Fosu, Ben Woodburn, James Henry, Jamie Mackie.
Prediction: Oxford United 1-1 Coventry City
