The first game of the season is always highly anticipated, but Oxford United face tough opposition for the second successive season as Karl Robinson takes his side to promotion hopefuls, Sunderland.
The Black Cats, who missed out on an immediate return to the Championship last season after defeat in the play-off final, have a solid team and are more than capable of pushing for promotion again.
“It’s nice to be the underdog and you usually come away with something when you’re under no pressure, so fingers crossed that happens.”
Josh Ruffels – Oxford Mail
Despite a slow start to the summer in terms of transfers, which included Alex Gorrin, Tariqe Fosu and Chris Cadden, the U’s have doubled their incoming’s in the last week with the addition of Ben Woodburn, Anthony Forde and Elliott Moore.
And according to Karl Robinson, he is still on the hunt for another two forwards, admitting the squad lacks goals and pace compared to last season.
Sunderland won’t lack goals. £4 million signing Will Grigg will be hoping to rekindle his form from his Wigan days and show Sunderland fans why they spent so much money on the Northern Ireland international. Aiden McGeady and former U’s favourite Chris Maguire are also capable of causing problems.
“Not many people will think we will get a result, so to go there and nick a draw or win we’d be happy.”
Simon Eastwood – Oxford Mail
Oxford will be relatively confident of matching the Black Cats. Two 1-1 draws were shared between the two sides last season, and I believe the majority of U’s fans would be more than happy with a similar result.
Predicted starting line up: Simon Eastwood, Josh Ruffels, Rob Dickie, Elliott Moore, Chris Cadden, John Mousinho, Alex Gorrin, Tariqe Fosu, Cameron Brannagan, James Henry, Jamie Mackie.
Prediction: Sunderland 1-1 Oxford United.
