Oxford United have averaged almost exactly one point per game this season
Preston remain just 12 points off the Championship summit after securing a hard-fought draw against league leaders Coventry City on Tuesday.
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After Oxford United and Preston both recorded 1-1 draws in their respective midweek fixtures, will these two teams produce the same scoreline at the Kassam Stadium on Saturday afternoon?
It’s a scoreline both clubs are well used to in recent weeks and there may be little to split these Championship rivals now.
Team News
Oxford United are currently missing several long-term absentees, but Gary Rowett doesn’t have any fresh injuries to contend with.
Having sustained a calf strain during November’s home draw with Middlesbrough, club captain Cameron Brannagan is sidelined until the start of the New Year. Brodie Spencer is also hoping to be back in January, after the Northern Irish full-back fractured his metatarsal earlier on in the campaign.
Saturday will come too soon for Matt Philips, who is gradually approaching full fitness following a thigh issue.
Polish winger Przemysław Płacheta has sat out the last two contests, but may need a further fortnight to overcome a niggling muscle injury.
Meanwhile, Preston’s treatment room is slowly clearing after being packed to the rafters throughout the autumn, with the likes of Will Keane, Brad Potts, and Andrija Vukcevic all returning to the bench on Tuesday evening.
After developing a hamstring problem against Sheffield Wednesday last month, Jamal Lewis remains unavailable.
Versatile defender Lewis Gibson is out for the foreseeable future, while Robbie Brady is yet to feature this season. Ali McCann is entering the final stages of his rehabilitation from a broken arm.
The latest Oxford United vs. Preston North End odds are available on LiveScore Bet
The stats
Oxford have scored and conceded fewer goals on home soil than at opposing Championship venues.
The U’s have only managed to accrue 10 points at the Kassam Stadium so far this term.
Preston have only suffered two away defeats all season, losing by just a one-goal margin to both Portsmouth and West Brom.
Since the beginning of November, Preston and Oxford have cumulatively been involved in a staggering seven 1-1 draws.
The Lilywhites’ opening weekend encounter with Queens Park Rangers also concluded in the same scoreline.
Prediction
Had it not been for Sheffield Wednesday’s draconian points deduction, Oxford United may be currently sitting in the relegation zone.
The Owls’ demise may end up reducing the typical number of points required to stay in the division, but Gary Rowett’s men will need to start picking up more wins.
Oxford have only claimed one triumph in their last eight outings, beating Ipswich Town amidst a flurry of draws.
Despite playing almost an hour with 10 men against Frank Lampard’s free-scoring Coventry City outfit, Preston managed to record yet another 1-1 draw on Tuesday.
However, the Lancashiremen will need to step it up a notch if they are to keep pace at the top end of the table. A tally of seven points from their last six matches is hardly promotion form, while a prolonged absence of clean sheets must be a concern for Heckingbottom.
Despite their contrasting league positions, a 1-1 draw seems a very possible outcome given each team’s recent sequence of results.
Back Oxford United and Preston to draw 1-1 at 17/4 with LiveScore Bet
The latest Oxford United vs Preston North End odds are available on LiveScore Bet
