Oxford United welcome Wigan Athletic on Saturday knowing three points could move the U’s into the playoffs, depending on other results.
As for the Latics, they are 21st in the table but in the bottom four on goal difference with four teams all level on 24 points.
However, despite three successive league defeats, Wigan picked up all three points on Tuesday night with a 1-0 win at relegation rivals Northampton.
Meanwhile, Oxford returned to winning ways on Tuesday with a 2-0 win over Bristol Rovers, making it the first time the U’s have done the league double over the Gas since 1992/93. Now, the U’s have lost just once from their last 15 games in all competitions.
Deadline day additions Elliot Lee and Brandon Barker opened their U’s account at the Memorial Stadium, but Sam Long and James Henry were both replaced with injury concerns, but the latter should be available. Marcus McGuane is also close to a return. Only two teams have scored more in League One than Oxford, with Matty Taylor in double figures with 11.
As for Wigan, only three teams have scored fewer this season. Also, there are only three sides that have conceded more. Joe Garner is the Latics’ top scorer with seven goals but he has since joined APOEL Nicosia, while Will Keane has five in the league.
Since the sides last met in November, Wigan have picked up four wins, five draws and suffered five defeats. Of those victories, the Latics edged past Sunderland and Accrington.
The 2-1 win for Oxford in November was the U’s first victory over Wigan in eight meetings. In fact, the Latics had won the previous six. The last time Wigan visited Grenoble Road, they won the game 7-0. In three meetings at the Kassam Stadium, Oxford have never beaten Wigan, losing all three.
Predicted line-up: Jack Stevens, Josh Ruffels, Rob Atkinson, Elliott Moore, Anthony Forde, Alex Rodriguez Gorrin, Cameron Brannagan, James Henry, Brandon Barker, Elliot Lee, Matty Taylor.
Prediction: Oxford United 3-0 Wigan Athletic
