The U's Matchzone

Preview: League One – Oxford United vs Rotherham United

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Oxford United will be looking to return to winning ways in the league when Rotherham United visit the Kassam Stadium this weekend.

Karl Robinson’s side lost on New Year’s Day at Doncaster Rovers but won three league games in succession over the festive period, which included three points against table-topping Wycombe Wanderers.

The U’s also won their last fixture – a 4-1 victory over Hartlepool United in the FA Cup third round – while the Millers bowed out of the competition with defeat at home to Hull City.

However, in the league they have won three in succession, drawing the two before, and have moved up to 2nd as a result.

Like Oxford, they are relentless in attack and have scored 41 league goals – two more than Oxford. The Millers are also handy in defence, conceding just 25 in the league – just three more than the U’s.

Oxford could feature three of their four new signings this weekend after midfielders Nathan Holland, Liam Kelly and Marcus Browne joined the U’s on loan from West Ham United, Feyenoorand and Middlesbrough respectively. Meanwhile, Hakeeb Adelakun has joined the Millers on loan.

Cameron Brannagan is ready to return after missing the Doncaster defeat and FA Cup win, as is goalkeeper Simon Eastwood, but the usual suspects remain sidelined, including former Miller, Anthony Forde,and James Henry.

Carlton Morris had notched four goals this season and provided six assists for the Millers, but he has been recalled from his loan spell by Norwich City and sent back out on loan to MK Dons.

However, the U’s will have to be wary of Freddie Ladapo, having scored 12 this season while Michael Smith has scored nine and added four assists. Defensive midfielder Matt Crooks has also scored nine this season, adding three assists.

The U’s won the reverse fixture 2-1 at the New York Stadium with goals from Tariqe Fosu and Matty Taylor, but that was the U’s first league win against the Millers in five. If Oxford win, it will also be the first time since the 1983/84 season that the U’s have completed a league double against Rotherham.

Predicted line-up: Simon Eastwood, Josh Ruffels, John Mousinho, Rob Dickie, Sam Long, Alex Rodriguez Gorrin, Cameron Brannagan, Shandon Baptiste, Tariqe Fosu, Liam Kelly Matty Taylor.

Prediction: Oxford United 1-1 Rotherham United

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