Sunderland v Oxford United preview: Team news, head-to-head, where to watch, prediction
Sunderland host Oxford United in Championship action on Saturday (26 October) as they look to extend their advantage at the top of the table.
A controversial win against Luton Town secured a vital three points for Regis Le Bris’ side, who widened the gap at the top to three points.
Le Bris will be hoping his side can continue their unbeaten home form following their draw against Leeds United last time out.
Preview
The Black Cats have had a remarkable start to the season and will be favourites heading into this game against last year’s League One promotion winners.
Romaine Mundle and Chris Rigg were on the scoresheet as the Black Cats saw off Luton Town last time out.
Having not lost at home this season, the Mackems will be looking to extend that unbeaten run against a side who have struggled away from home.
Oxford have demonstrated their own strong home form but struggled away from it. Indeed, Des Buckingham’s side are yet to win away from home this season
Form Guide (Championship)
Sunderland: WLWDWW
Oxford: LDDDD
Head to Head (All League One)
Oxford 1-2 Sunderland (April 2022)
Sunderland 1-1 Oxford (December 2021)
Sunderland 3-1 Oxford (April 2021)
Oxford 0-2 Sunderland (September 2020)
Oxford 0-1 Sunderland (February 2020)
Team news
There are no fresh injury concerns for Le Bris, although several players remain out.
Salis Samed, Niall Huggins, Aji Alese and Jenson Seelt are all absent, while Dan Ballard and Eliezer Mayenda could return to the squad.
Trai Hume is one of three players on four yellow cards this season and a booking against Oxford would rule him out for their trip to QPR.
Oxford’s injury list is far shorter than that of Sunderland.
Joe Bennett, Przemyslaw Placheta and Matt Phillips will miss the game with injury alongside key player Cameron Brannagan.
Brannagan has been Oxford’s most important player since he joined the club and his absence should provide a huge boost for Sunderland
Predicted lineups
Sunderland: Patterson, Hume, O’Nien, Mepham, Cirkin, Neil, Jobe, Browne, Roberts, Mundle, Isidor
Oxford: Cumming, Brown, Nelson, Moore, Kioso, Mizouni, Vaulks, Scarlett, Rodrigues, Goodrham, Harris
Where to watch?
Sunderland’s encounter with Oxford will only be available to watch for customers outside of the UK as per EFL restrictions for 3pm Saturday kick-offs.
Score prediction: Sunderland 3-0 Oxford United
The hosts will be heavy favourites for this encounter and rightfully so. The Black Cats are top of the table, unbeaten at home and are up against a side yet to win on their travels since returning to this level.
If the Black Cats are to have any hopes of achieving promotion, games like this are simply must-win.
In other Sunderland news, Abdoullah Ba could soon be on his way out of the club.
For more Sunderland news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.