After progressing to the third round of the Carabao Cup, Oxford United welcome unbeaten Coventry City to the Kassam Stadium in League One. Despite a strong start to the season, The U’s have suffered three successive league defeats, while The Sky Blues have won three of their five league games.
Unbeaten Coventry City Face Oxford United
Oxford Need to Bounce Back
Oxford came from two goals down as they overcame Championship side Millwall on penalties on Tuesday in the cup, but it’s their league form that has declined. Defeats at Blackpool and Bristol Rovers fell either side of a home loss to Burton Albion.
Karl Robinson’s side are more than capable of performing, but in recent games, they’ve struggled defensively. The U’s boss has used three centre backs this season in Rob Dickie, John Mousinho and Elliott Moore, and after Tuesday’s win, he has tried all three partnerships.
The U’s face anther tricky fixture Saturday week when they travel to Fleetwood Town, so they will be hopeful of picking up some points. But, they will be without new signing Matty Taylor after the striker picked up a knock at Rovers.
Sky Blues Full of Confidence
Following wins over Gillingham and Bristol Rovers and picking up a point at Portsmouth, Coventry have made a bright start to the season. Despite a goalless draw at a youthful Bolton Wanderers, Mark Robins’ side are in a good position in the league but bowed out of the cup after defeat at Watford.
Defender Michael Rose is one to watch, having played every game and scoring once. Jordan Shipley and Zain Westbrooke have both made seven appearances in midfield, with the pair each scoring once.
Jordy Hiwula has netted three times from his seven appearances, Matt Godden has two from six and, despite picking up a red card in the draw at Portsmouth, Gervane Kastaneer has also found the net.
Oxford lost this fixture last season but won the away reverse. The season before, when Coventry were in League Two, the U’s won at home in the League Cup, but Coventry were victorious in the Football League Trophy Final the season before, despite being relegated from League One.
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