Oxford United v Leeds United Prediction, Tips & Preview

Friday | 19:00 UTC | Kassam Stadium | EFL Championship

Oxford United welcome promotion-chasing Leeds to the Kassam Stadium on Friday night in what I see as a high-stakes showdown for both clubs.

Leeds Keep Pressure On at the Top

Leeds are right in the thick of the automatic promotion race. With Sheffield United slipping up, this trip to Oxford is a golden opportunity to build more distance and strengthen their top-two credentials. Daniel Farke’s side have lost just 2 of their last 26 league games, and with nine away wins already, they’ve shown they can handle business on the road.

Even though they’ve been leaking goals recently, their resilience and attacking depth continue to shine. I expect them to find the net here, even if they don’t keep things completely tight at the back.

Oxford Need a Result

Oxford are 6 points above the relegation zone, but they’re far from safe. I think they’ll back themselves to get something here, especially after recent home wins against Watford and Sheffield United. They’ve scored in 16 of their last 17 home games, which tells me they’re always capable of asking questions.

That said, they’ve only won 3 of their last 14, and conceding 3 to QPR at home in their last match was a reality check. They’ll have to find a perfect balance between defence and ambition to get anything against this Leeds side.

How the Bookies See It

Leeds are favourites at 1.35, and I can see why. Oxford are 8.20 outsiders, while the draw is priced at 4.90. I like the look of Leeds to win and Both Teams To Score at 3.30, there’s value there considering both sides’ recent form in front of goal.

Head-to-Head:

Leeds won the reverse fixture 4-0 comfortably at Elland Road in December. Leeds come in with more quality and experience, but Oxford will know this is their best shot to cause an upset on home turf.

Players to Watch

Joel Pieroe continues to impress for Leeds, and I think he could be involved again, he’s 2.15 to score anytime. For Oxford, top scorer Mark Harris offers the main threat and is 5.25 to score anytime. If Oxford get a goal, my money would be on him.

Predicted Lineups

Oxford: Cumming, Long, Helik, Nelson, Bennett, Vaulks, Brannagan, Goodrham, Matos, Mils, Harris
Leeds: Meslier, Bogle, Rodon, Ampadu, Firpo, Gruev, Tanaka, Gnonto, Aaronson, Solomon, Piroe