Oxford United have hit a bad bit of form but the international break could have come at a good time for Gary Rowett and his team.
The U’s have lost their last two games against Stoke and West Brom, respectively, and while the results may not have been a shock, the performances have been.
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Oxford United Need an Upturn In Form After International Break
Biggest Loss Under Rowett and Second Half Collapse Against the Baggies
Stoke was always going to be a tricky fixture for Oxford but to lose in the manner they did will be hugely disappointing.
The U’s lost by three goals, which is the heaviest league loss under Rowett since he replaced Des Buckingham last December.
The head coach has a knack for keeping his side in the game, but against the Potters, it was a one-way show despite playing at home and creating some decent chances themselves.
Then, against West Brom, Oxford came up against a side with one point from four games, and that came against Sheffield Wednesday. And after falling behind at the Hawthorns, it could have been easy for the Baggies to collapse.
However, yet more defensive frailties cost Oxford the chance of some much-needed points ahead of the upcoming international break as the U’s lost 2-1.
International Break Gives Oxford Hope
After the last international break, Oxford picked up seven points from four games with wins over Derby and Sheffield Wednesday before a draw against Millwall.
Rowett will be hopeful his squad can tackle the upcoming fixtures in a similar fashion, with games against managerless duo, Middlesbrough and Norwich.
The U’s then welcome Ipswich before a trip to Swansea, who have also started to drop down the league table following a run of one win in seven and, as a result, departed with their head coach at the start of the international break.
Boro may be flying high, but the departure of Rob Edwards in somewhat controversial circumstances may rock them, while the pressure at Norwich, despite Liam Manning’s dismissal, is still palpable.
Ipswich will undoubtedly be a tough test and Swansea could be a flip of a coin, depending on how the previous three fixtures go.
Returning Players
Oxford will be hopeful that Jack Currie is fit again after the break, particularly with Greg Leigh jetting off with Jamaica as he prepares to face Trinidad and Tobago and Curacao in World Cup qualifiers.
Brodie Spencer hasn’t been given a timescale but he’s closer than Matt Phillips, who was originally speculated for a November return.
After the last break, Rowett only started players who hadn’t been away on international duty, and, besides Ciaron Brown in defence, that could be the case again.
Featured image courtesy of IMAGO / Focus Images
