Oxford United will be hoping to pick up a vital three points on Saturday when Sunderland visit Grenoble Road.
The U’s drew 1-1 at relegation rivals Cardiff on Easter Monday, and with all the other sides around them winning, now sit just three points clear of the drop.
Oxford United Welcome Sunderland
Team News, Form and Prediction
The U’s lost their last home game but put in a decent display in their 1-0 defeat against Leeds. Either side of that result, Gary Rowett’s side saw a win at Sheffield Wednesday before their fortuitous draw in Wales.
Sunderland, who are set for the playoffs, have lost their last three games and haven’t won in four. However, the Black Cats have the fourth-best away record in the division, picking up nine wins and six draws on their travels this season.
Oxford welcomed back skipper Elliott Moore, albeit from the bench, but Siriki Dembele has been ruled out for the remaining two games, along with defender Ciaron Brown. Hidde ter Avest Will be available after concussion protocols, as will Sam Long after he missed the game at Cardiff following the birth of his second child.
Sunderland are without Romaine Mundle, Dennis Cirkin, Ian Poveda, Dan Ballard, Aji Alese and Jayden Danns. Trai Hume is also suspended following his red card in the defeat against Bristol City.
The Black Cats won the reverse fixture at the Stadium of Light and are unbeaten in their last six meetings against the U’s, winning five. Oxford are also without a win in the last 14 against Sunderland and have just one victory in their last 19. The Black Cats have six wins and four draws from their last ten trips to Oxford.
Predicted line-up: Jamie Cumming, Greg Leigh, Ben Nelson, Michal Helik, Hidde ter Avest, Will Vaulks, Cameron Brannagan, Tyler Goodrham, Alex Matos, Stan Mills, Mark Harris.
Prediction: Oxford United 1-1 Sunderland
