Oxford United travel to Shrewsbury Town this weekend looking to make it five wins in succession.
The U’s moved back into the top six following their victory over Southend United last time out but dropped back to 7th in midweek after Fleetwood Town won at Ipswich.
The U’s recent run has been a terrific turn around since the turn of the New Year, which saw just two wins from eleven games in all competitions.
Shrewsbury have had a hit and miss season this year, which is underlined by two wins and two defeats from their last four league games.
The two sides played out a goalless draw when they met at Grenoble Road in December, but the U’s won this fixture 3-2 last season with Gavin Whyte netting a hat trick. The U’s have also lost just once from the last six meetings between the two sides.
Oxford have no fresh injury concerns and for the first time all season, almost have a fully fit squad. George Thorne could feature after being rested against Southend last week, while there could be returns for Liam Kelly and Ben Woodburn, with the latter having been out for five months.
Matty Taylor has taken his goal tally to 17 for the season after his later winner against the Shrimpers – with seven coming in the last six games – while James Henry, who opened the scoring from the penalty spot, needs one more assist to reach double figures.
The U’s have scored ten goals in their four game-winning run, with Karl Robinson’s side yet to keep a clean sheet during the run.
Jason Cummings is the Shrews’ top scorer with seven goals, while Josh Laurent has scored four but provided five assists.
There is now a heavy Oxford link in Shropshire, with Sam Ricketts the manager and Dean Whitehead a coach, with both players having come through the youth set up with the U’s.
Predicted line-up: Simon Eastwood, Josh Ruffels, Elliott Moore, Rob Dickie, Sam Long, Alex Rodriguez Gorrin, Cameron Brannagan, George Thorne, Marcus Browne, James Henry, Matty Taylor.
Prediction: Shrewsbury Town 0-1 Oxford United
