Middlesbrough’s defeat by title rivals Coventry saw the team slip back to second
Oxford have picked up just a single point from the last four matches
Recommended bet: Middlesbrough to win to nil
Middlesbrough will be determined to bounce back from Monday’s defeat by Championship title rivals Coventry when they host struggling Oxford United on Saturday.
Boro slipped back down to second place but have the chance to heap pressure on the Sky Blues with a home clash against a U’s side who have lost four in five across all competitions.
The latest Middlesbrough vs Oxford odds are available on LiveScore Bet
Team news
Middlesbrough forward Tommy Conway is a doubt after coming off in the defeat at Coventry meaning David Strelec could come in while Brighton loanee Jeremy Sarmiento is pushing for a first start.
Defender Alfie Jones is out until next month with an ankle issue while Leo Castledine is also unavailable due to a muscle problem.
Oxford look set to be without defender Michal Helik, who is a doubt with a muscle injury, while Hidde ter Avest is also struggling with a hamstring problem. Nik Prelec, Brian De Keersmaecker and Tyler Goodrham are sidelined until March.
The stats
Middlesbrough are unbeaten in 12 games against Oxford United, last losing to the U's back in February 1990.
Oxford have failed to score in five of their last seven matches in the Championship.
Middlesbrough have now conceded five penalties this season - the most in the Championship.
Oxford have scored just four league goals in 2026, with only Sheffield Wednesday netting fewer.
Middlesbrough are the only team in the Championship who are yet to drop points from a winning position, claiming victory in all 18 games in which they have taken the lead.
The latest Middlesbrough vs Oxford odds are available on LiveScore Bet
Prediction
Middlesbrough fans were extremely disappointed to see Rob Edwards leave for Wolves in November with the club progressing well but his replacement Kim Hellberg has taken the team up a level.
With six straight league victories early in 2026, Boro are firmly in the promotion picture and the run even saw the team leapfrog leaders Coventry.
Monday’s defeat by the Sky Blues saw Middlesbrough drop back down to second but they now have a huge opportunity to keep the pressure on Coventry or even reclaim top spot with a home game against second–from-bottom Oxford.
The U’s have failed to score in five of their last seven Championship matches and have taken just a point from the last possible 12.
All of the stats point to a straightforward Boro victory and that is the most likely result on Saturday.
Backing Boro to keep a clean sheet could prove a savvy move with Oxford struggling so badly in front of goal.
Back Middlesbrough to win to nil @ 6/5 with LiveScore Bet
The latest Middlesbrough vs Oxford odds are available on LiveScore Bet
