Oxford United welcome Lincoln City on Friday night hoping to avoid a third successive league defeat. The U’s lost to Blackpool at the weekend before succumbing to a 1-0 deficit against Northampton Town on Tuesday night.
A win over the Cobblers would have moved Karl Robinson’s level on points with sixth-placed Blackpool, who moved up after a win over Peterborough United. However, the loss leaves the U’s three points behind.
Lincoln have led the way for much of the season but have fallen off the top spot in recent weeks. Managed by former Oxford boss Michael Appleton, the Imps have just one win from their last eight games, losing four.
While Oxford were in action on Tuesday, Lincoln had a free Tuesday and have had just under one week to prepare for this fixture.
Winger Brennan Johnson has been in great form for Lincoln this season, scoring eight goals and adding 12 assists, but he is away on international duty with Wales, while Jorge Grant will miss the game through injury, and he has provided 15 goals and 11 assists.
Tom Hopper has scored eight and Lewis Montsma has seven, but are also injury doubts for the visitors. However, Appleton still has Anthony Scully available, with the winger providing 18 goal contributions.
Oxford could welcome back Elliot Lee and James Henry from injury but Sam Long is still unavailable.
Only the top two teams in the division have scored more than Lincoln this season, but the Imps have the third-worst defence in the top ten.
The U’s lost against the Imps on the opening day of the campaign but won this fixture 1-0 last season. Oxford also secured the double over Lincoln last season, which included a record-breaking away win in the Football League with a 6-0 victory on the road.
Predicted line-up: Jack Stevens, Josh Ruffels, Rob Atkinson, Elliott Moore, Jamie Hanson, Alex Rodriguez Gorrin, Cameron Brannagan, Elliot Lee, Brandon Barker, Mark Sykes, Matty Taylor.
Prediction: Oxford United 1-0 Lincoln City
