Oxford United will have their work cut out in the League One play-off semi-final second leg against Blackpool with the U’s having to overturn a three-goal deficit. In addition, no team has come from behind by that margin in the playoffs to progress to the final.
Karl Robinson’s side lost 3-0 at Grenoble Road on Tuesday and are up against the divisions strongest defence, while the Seasiders have suffered just two defeats from their last 23 matches.
Sam Long was the only injury doubt for the U’s for the first leg and the club are yet to give an update, as is the case for Sam Winnall and Cameron Brannagan who were both forced off with hamstring injuries on Tuesday night.
Blackpool still have a selection of injury problems, but manager Neil Critchley has the luxury of being able to rotate players if he feels the need to.
Ellis Simms took his goal tally to ten for the season after his brace in the first leg.
The U’s are without a win in the three meetings between the two sides this season and have failed to score. In addition, Oxford have managed just one win from their last eight trips to Bloomfield Road.
Predicted line-up: Jack Stevens, Josh Ruffels, Rob Atkinson, Elliott Moore, Anthony Forde, Alex Rodriguez Gorrin, Mark Sykes, James Henry, Brandon Barker, Elliot Lee, Matty Taylor.
Prediction: Blackpool 0-1 Oxford United
