Preview: Oxford United vs. Northampton Town

Sports Mole previews Tuesday’s League One clash between Oxford United and Northampton Town, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Northampton Town will be looking to claim a second straight victory when they make the trip to the Kassam Stadium for Tuesday’s meeting with Oxford United.

The Cobblers are currently sitting in 11th place in the League One table, while the hosts head into the midweek contest in sixth position.

Match preview
© Reuters

Oxford may occupy the final playoff spot in League One, but they will be frustrated with the fact they have drawn four of their last five matches (W1), including Saturday’s away clash with Wycombe Wanderers.

Des Buckingham’s side played out a goalless draw at Adams Park to extend their winless away run to three matches, although they were able to take some encouragement from the fact they recorded their first away clean in the league since October.

As a result of the draw, Oxford have now crept three points clear of seventh-placed Stevenage, who do have the advantage of a game in hand.

After making the trip to Buckinghamshire at the weekend, Oxford will now return to the Kassam Stadium, where they will have the opportunity to claim consecutive home wins after beating Wigan Athletic 4-2 in their most recent home outing.

Tuesday’s encounter will be Oxford’s third meeting with Northampton this season after the U’s claimed a 3-1 victory in the EFL Trophy in September, before they fell to a narrow defeat in December’s reverse league fixture.

Northampton, meanwhile, will be in a positive mood after they ended a four-game winless run with a 3-1 home victory over Bristol Rovers on Saturday.

Patrick Brough and Mitchell Pinnock grabbed a goal apiece before Chris Martin halved Northampton’s lead, but any doubts over the destination of the three points were quashed when Marc Leonard restored the two-goal cushion in the 84th minute.

Having picked up 44 points from 32 matches, the Cobblers are in a comfortable midtable position with 12 points separating them from both the drop zone and Tuesday’s opponents.

After enjoying success on home turf at the weekend, Northampton will now head on their travels for Tuesday’s contest, where they will be looking for a strong defensive performance, having conceded four goals in both of their last two away games.

The visitors may be able to take confidence from the fact they have won four of their last five away games against Oxford, although their only defeat in that period did take place in their most recent trip to the Kassam Stadium in December 2020.

Oxford United League One form:

Northampton Town League One form:

Oxford are expected to be without the services of Kyle Edwards and Marcus Browne, who are continuing to work their way back to full fitness.

Elliott Moore was absent from Saturday’s matchday squad, and the defender remains a doubt for the midweek clash with Northampton.

January signing Will Goodwin could be given his first start for the club after featuring as a half-time substitute against Wycombe.

As for the visitors, their injury list features Akin Odimayo, Sam Hoskins, Tyler Magloire, Danny Hylton and Ali Koiki.

Northampton boss Jon Brady could be tempted to select the same lineup that started Saturday’s home win over Bristol Rovers.

Leonard will continue to offer a goal threat from the midfielder after scoring three times across the last four matches.

Oxford United possible starting lineup:
Cumming; Long, Negru, Long, Leigh; Brannagan, Mateta; Goodrham, Rodrigues, Goodwin; Harris

Northampton Town possible starting lineup:
Moulden; Willis, Sherring, Guthrie, Brough; Leonard, Fox, Hondermarck; Bowie, Pinnock, Simpson

We say: Oxford United 2-2 Northampton Town
Oxford have seen four of their last five matches finish all square, and we think they may have to settle for another draw against a Northampton side who will be rejuvenated following Saturday’s win over Bristol Rovers.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

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