Oxford United kick off their new League One campaign on Saturday as they travel to Cambridge United.
It’s a new look U’s side from the one that began last season, which ended by narrowly avoiding relegation. Liam Manning, who replaced Karl Robinson in the dugout in March, will be looking to replicate, or go one further, than the third-place finish he led his MK Dons team to two seasons ago.
Oxford United Face Cambridge United in League One Opener
Squad
Much of the squad remain although goalkeeper Jack Stevens could line up for Cambridge after he departed in the window, while defenders Steve Seddon and Stuart Findlay have also been loaned out. The one surprise came in the shape of striker Matty Taylor, who wasn’t offered a new deal.
In terms of arrivals, young goalkeeper James Beadle is expected to start the match ahead of Simon Eastwood after impressing during pre-season. Ahead of him, Jordan Thorniley should start alongside Elliott Moore in defence with Ciaron Brown at left-back. The right-back position is up for grabs with Sam Long arguably given the nod ahead of loan signing Fin Stevens.
Read More: Oxford United Weekly Round-Up: Transfers News and Fixture Release
In midfield, talisman Cameron Brannagan will feature with new arrival Josh McEachran. Another new addition in Ruben Rodrigues is likely to play just in front of the duo.
Marcus Browne has enjoyed pre-season, notching three goals in the process from the left and it looks as though Manning will keep him there. On the right, however, it’s unclear who could be selected although Tyler Goodrham has impressed so far. In attack, summer signing Mark Harris is expected to lead the line, having scored in the 5-0 win over Queens Park Rangers.
Tactics
In pre-season, ‘Manning-ball’ is well and truly underway. The U’s have looked comfortable on the ball in all areas of the pitch and in Beadle, they have a goalkeeper that is comfortable in playing out from the back.
The U’s have moved the ball around quickly when in possession and press quickly against the opposition when they don’t have the ball. It’s a high-risk/high-reward strategy that has paid off so far during pre-season.
Pre-Season
We have touched on pre-season, so let’s recap the matches that have been played.
A goalless draw against Eastleigh was followed by a behind-closed-doors victory over Barnet. The U’s then beat Swansea City 1-0 in their first match at Grenoble Road before a heavy defeat for the ‘B’ team against Bristol City. However, the first team bounced back in style, hitting five without reply against QPR in their final friendly.
Prediction
A season opener is always difficult to predict but Cambridge have lost key players in the summer and haven’t properly replaced them, while Oxford have built and built well.
Both teams narrowly avoided the drop last term but it appears Cambridge could be set for a similar battle again this season.
Manning is building a good squad and although there are still a couple of players he may want to shift, on top of bringing a couple of new faces through the door, it’s been a promising start.
We predict a 2-0 win for Oxford in Cambridgeshire.
Featured image: Shaun Ferguson. CC BY-SA 2.0
