Oxford United will be looking to bounce back from their first defeat of the season at Blackpool on Saturday as the U’s welcome Burton Albion.
The U’s were the better side as they lost to the Seasiders, but despite the result, Karl Robinson’s side have made a good start to the season, picking up four points and progressing to the second round of the Carabao Cup.
Oxford also made terrific strides in the transfer market yesterday, adding experience in attack with the arrival of Matty Taylor from Bristol City, and George Thorne from Derby County, with the pair, both arriving on loan.
Taylor could feature for the club after being registered before midday, but Robinson may consider for the 29-year-old first start to come on Saturday at Bristol Rovers. Thorne meanwhile will sit a few weeks out after lacking in match practice and fitness.
Burton have made an indifferent start to the season. Nigel Clough’s side have lost both home games 1-0, but have won both away matches, including a Carabao Cup win at Port Vale, 2-1.
Scott Fraser and John-Joe O’Toole will be key in midfield, whilst Lukas Akins and Nathan Broadhead will be a threat up top, with the latter scoring two in three appearances. But defensively, Albion are yet to keep a clean sheet.
Tariqe Fosu could return after a hamstring strain kept him out of the defeat at Blackpool, whilst it remains unclear again who will partner Rob Dickie in defence, but I would assume John Mousinho.
Predicted line-up: Simon Eastwood, Josh Ruffels, John Mousinho, Rob Dickie, Chris Cadden, Alex Rodriguez Gorrin, Cameron Brannagan, Anthony Forde, Ben Woodburn, James Henry, Jamie Mackie.
Prediction: Oxford United 2-0 Burton Albion
