Oxford United will be looking for a first win in five when they travel to Blackpool on Saturday.
The U’s drew both games last week with a 2-2 thriller against league leaders Portsmouth and a 1-1 draw against Thames Valley rivals, Reading.
The Seasiders lost on the road at promotion rivals Stevenage – a result which saw Oxford drop out of the playoffs. Despite that, they have three wins from their last six league games. Neil Critchley’s side are also devastating at home and boast the best home record in the division, winning ten from 16 at Bloomfield Road.
Oisin Smyth is out after missing the game against Reading but Des Buckingham could welcome back Jamie Cumming, Sam Long, Josh Murphy, Billy Bodin and January signing, Will Goodwin. Owen Dale joined from the Seasiders on deadline day but, according to Jerome Sale, won’t be able to play after the two clubs made a “gentleman’s agreement”.
Jordan Rhodes, Ben Thompson and Jake Beesley are all doubts for the hosts, although former U’s striker Kyle Joseph returned against Stevenage.
Critchley will be hopeful Rhodes is available as the former U’s loanee has scored 15 times this season. Mark Harris took his Oxford tally to 12 against Reading.
The two sides played out a 1-1 draw earlier this season. Including the two playoff matches, Oxford are without a win in their last five and have failed to win at Bloomfield Road in their last three games.
Predicted line-up: Jamie Cumming, Greg Leigh, Ciaron Brown, Elliott Moore, Sam Long, Marcus McGuane, Cameron Brannagan, Tyler Goodrham, Ruben Rodrigues, Tyler Burey, Mark Harris.
Prediction: Blackpool 1-1 Oxford United
