Oxford United will be looking to bounce back from their narrow defeat against league leaders Leeds when they travel to relegation rivals Cardiff.
The U’s lost 1-0 against the Whites at Grenoble Road but it was a good display despite the result.
Oxford United Travel to Cardiff
Team News, Form and Prediction
In recent weeks, Gary Rowett’s side have a tendency to bounce back from a defeat with a win, and that would be timely given their opponents on Easter Monday.
Cardiff dropped down to 23rd following their defeat at Sheffield United and Luton’s win over Derby. The Bluebirds are six points behind the U’s with three games remaining, so an Oxford win would significantly boost their chances of survival.
The Welsh side have just one win in their last ten in all competitions and have lost their last three games at the Cardiff City Stadium.
Oxford picked up just their second away win of the campaign on their last game away from Grenoble Road with a 1-0 win at Sheffield Wednesday.
Cardiff have lost ten times at home this season, which is the worst in the division. As a result, Omer Riza, whose side have the third-worst home record in the Championship, was relieved of his duties on Saturday. Former Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey will take charge for the final three games.
Oxford are without Siriki Dembele after the winger picked up a hamstring injury in training, but skipper Elliott Moore is close to a return and could be in contention.
The hosts are without Isaak Davies, Jak Alnwick, Joe Ralls and Ramsey, while Perry Ng is a doubt. Former U’s winger Callum O’Dowda has captained the side in recent games.
Oxford won the reverse fixture in what was Gary Rowett’s first game in charge. The U’s led 3-0 but conceded twice late on to set up a nervy ending. That was a first win in three between the two sides but Oxford are unbeaten on their last three visits to the Welsh capital, winning twice and drawing once.
Predicted line-up: Jamie Cumming, Joe Bennett, Ben Nelson, Michal Helik, Sam Long, Cameron Brannagan, Will Vaulks, Tyler Goodrham, Alex Matos, Przemyslaw Placheta, Mark Harris.
Prediction: Cardiff City 0-2 Oxford United
