This could be a season-defining week for Oxford United.
The U’s dropped out of the playoffs for just the second time this season following back-to-back defeats last week.
Now, Des Buckingham must prepare his side for the visit of table-topping Portsmouth and a Thames Valley Derby against Reading, with the small matter of the transfer deadline day in the middle.
Make or Break Week for Oxford United
Portsmouth
Oxford haven’t lost three league games in succession this season. In Buckingham’s first four league games in charge, the U’s failed to win but managed two draws in that run.
Now, Oxford will be aiming to avoid a third straight defeat when league leaders Portsmouth visit Grenoble Road.
At the start of last week, Oxford were just four points behind John Mousinho’s side after they had lost against Cheltenham and Leyton Orient. But after picking up successive 1-0 wins, while Oxford suffered back-to-back losses, the gap is now ten points.
It’s also the first time the two teams will meet this season, with this fixture being postponed due to international call-ups.
Now, the U’s need to put last week behind them and bounce back with, not just a win, but also a good performance which can help towards getting a small section of the fanbase back onside following the recent decline.
Deadline Day
Oxford still need new additions. Buckingham has overseen the arrivals of Tyler Burey, Jamie Cumming and Will Goodwin, while Joe Bennett extended his stay until the end of the season after his short-term loan was due to expire at the end of the month.
The U’s head coach has also seen the return of former loanee Kyle Edwards following his release from Ipswich, although he is sidelined until Easter.
A couple of fringe players in Alex Gorrin and Ed McGinty have left, while injury ended the loan spell of Everton winger, Stanley Mills.
Read More: Three Areas Oxford United Still Need To Cover In The January Transfer Window
Buckingham still wants another striker, while a winger would also be a vital addition with Edwards, Marcus Browne and Josh Murphy all still absent through injury.
Then there is the case of another midfielder. Buckingham decided to rest Marcus McGuane against the Bristol Rovers and it highlighted the lack of depth in the middle of the park.
Another area which could need looking at is the full-backs. Left-back Bennett is now injured, as is Sam Long on the right. It leaves Buckingham light in these areas, too, and with several wingers already sidelined, he has a lack of width at his disposal.
Reading
Should Oxford avoid defeat against Pompey, then they will welcome rivals Reading after returning to the top six.
Form goes out the window for these fixtures and that may suit Oxford given their poor run. As for the Royals, their form is patchy but will still be looking to cause an upset.
The reverse fixture – a first league meeting in over 20 years – was a drab affair with neither side coming out on top in a 1-1 draw.
Oxford fans are awaiting some sort of positive performance under Buckingham and this could be the ideal week to get two under their belt. But it won’t be easy.
