Oxford United begin a new era under Gary Rowett with a Boxing Day clash at home against relegation rivals, Cardiff.
The U’s dropped into the bottom three for the first time this season with a 4-0 defeat at Leeds, with Rowett watching on from the stands.
Oxford United Welcome Cardiff
Team News, Form and Prediction
The loss at Elland Road means Oxford have just one win from their last 16 games and have now suffered six defeats from their last seven Championship fixtures.
As for Cardiff, they lost at home against Sheffield United last time out and are without a win in eight. However, the Bluebirds have drawn their last three games on the road and have lost one from their last six away fixtures.
Oxford have no new injury concerns for this fixture but Rowett could welcome back two former players from two of his former clubs in Siriki Dembele and Louie Sibley.
The Welsh side have several players sidelined for this fixture, including David Turnbull, Aaron Ramsey, Perry Ng, Ollie Tanner, Kion Etete and Isaak Davies. Winger Joe Willock was forced off against the Blades while former U’s man Callum O’Dowda is another who will miss the trip to Grenoble Road.
These sides haven’t met since Cardiff won 3-1 in a League Cup clash at Grenoble Road in 2011. The last league meeting came in the 1999/2000 season with Oxford drawing in Wales but the Bluebirds picking up all three points at the Manor Ground.
Predicted line-up: Jamie Cumming, Greg Leigh, Ciaron Brown, Elliott Moore, Peter Kioso, Will Vaulks, Cameron Brannagan, Idris El Mizouni, Tyler Goodrham, Dane Scarlett, Mark Harris.
Prediction: Oxford United 1-0 Cardiff City
