Oxford United will be looking to end a four-game winless run when Southampton visit Grenoble Road on Boxing Day.
The U’s lost at relegation rivals Charlton last time out, a result which means they are two points from safety, having played a game more than Portsmouth.
As a result, Gary Rowett was relieved of his duties on Tuesday and the club begins their search for a new head coach. Craig Short will take charge of this fixture.
Read More: Latest Oxford United Team and Injury News for Southampton Visit
Oxford United Welcome Southampton
Team News, Form and Predicted Line-Up
As for Southampton, they drew 1-1 against league leaders, Coventry last time out. However, the Saints had lost at Norwich before that. Despite those two results, the South Coast Club began life under Tonda Eckert well, with six wins from his first seven games in charge after he replaced Will Still. They’ve found the net 23 times in nine fixtures, so the U’s will have to be alert defensively.
Oxford welcomed back Brodie Spencer and Przemyslaw Placheta for their last fixture and Matt Phillips could be another to return shortly. However, the U’s are still without Hidde ter Avest and club captain, Cameron Brannagan, although the latter has returned to training.
The Saints are without Damion Downs, Elias Jelert, Mads Roerslev, Ross Stewart, Samuel Edozie and Shea Charles.
The two sides haven’t met since December, 1996, when Southampton won 3-2 at home in the League Cup. In fact, the Saints are unbeaten in their last six games, while the U’s have just two wins in 15 meetings.
Oxford United Predicted Line-Up
Jamie Cumming
Brodie Spencer
Michal Helik
Ciaron Brown
Jack Currie
Brian De Keersmaecker
Will Vaulks
Przemyslaw Placheta
Tyler Goodrham
Filip Krastev
Will Lankshear
Prediction: Oxford United 0-2 Southampton
Featured image courtesy of IMAGO / Focus Images
