Oxford United return to League One action this weekend when Karl Robinson’s side visit Sol Campbell’s Southend United.
The U’s haven’t played in almost two weeks since a 2-0 win over Hayes Yeading United in the FA Cup first round following postponement of their League clash against Ipswich Town, and as a result, Robinson’s squad should feel relaxed and raring to go as they look to extend their unbeaten run to 15 games in all competitions.
Southend also missed league action last weekend and exited the FA Cup at the hands of non-league Dover Athletic.
The Shrimpers have lost seven of their last eight league games, including a 1-7 home defeat against Doncaster Rovers.
Oxford are still without Cameron Brannagan and Ben Woodburn among through injury but welcome back full-backs Chris Cadden and Josh Ruffels. Jamie Mackie will miss the game through suspension after picking up a fifth yellow card in the draw at Portsmouth.
Stephen Humphrys is the host’s top scorer with five goals from thirteen appearances but misses the game with a thigh injury, while Charlie Kelman, Brandon Goodship and Simon Cox have all scored three.
Even though Southend are on a poor run of form, they have been a bogey side for the U’s in recent years, with Oxford recording just three wins from their last 21 meetings in all competitions. The U’s last win at Roots Hall came in 2003.
Predicted line-up: Simon Eastwood, Josh Ruffels, Rob Dickie, John Mousinho, Chris Cadden, Alex Rodriguez Gorrin, Shandon Baptiste, James Henry, Tariqe Fosu, Anthony Forde, Matty Taylor.
Prediction: Southend United 0-3 Oxford United
