Oxford United will kick off what they will hope to be an exciting FA Cup run this Sunday when the U’s face non-league Hayes and Yeading United.
Karl Robinson’s side reached the third round last season but were eliminated at this stage the year before, and would expect to progress against the side five tiers lower.
Oxford United Prepare for FA Cup
Non-League Opponents Shouldn’t be an Issue
League One side Oxford are one of the countries most prolific sides right now. The U’s are unbeaten in twelve games and have secured some monumental results during the run.
Robinson’s side moved up to fourth in League One after picking up a point at Portsmouth, and have also reached the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup where they will host Manchester City.
But this weekend, their attention turns to another cup. The U’s reached the third round last season but were knocked out at this stage the season before following defeat at Port Vale.
Oxford have also had some memorable cup runs in this competition in recent years. Under Michael Appleton, the U’s have seen off Premier League opposition in Swansea City and Newcastle United and had recently reached the fifth round under their former boss.
Despite being a lowly 18th in their division, Hayes and Yeading have lost just once from their last eight games in all competitions.
These two sides have met before. Chris Wilder’s Oxford beat them 2-0 in this competition in 2008 before securing a win in the FA Trophy the following season.
And although the U’s lost both Conference games against Hayes and Yeading in 2010, they secured promotion back to League Two after a 3-1 playoff final win over York City.
Team News and Prediction
Josh Ruffels, Chris Cadden and Rob Hall should all be available after recovering from their respective injuries, and although Cameron Brannagan won’t feature, his progress is looking promising.
Although the U’s are still injury-hit, this weekend could provide a good opportunity to rest some fatigued players and incorporate some of the youth into the starting eleven.
For the hosts, James Clark leads the scoring charts with eight, with striker Ogo Obi just behind with seven.
Hayes and Yeading will need to be at their best if they stand any chance of reaching the second round, but this Oxford side should have more than enough about them to avoid an early cup upset.
Prediction: Hayes and Yeading United 0-4 Oxford United
Main Photo
Embed from Getty Images
