Oxford United will be looking to continue their impressive start under Gary Rowett when the U’s travel to Preston.
The new head coach oversaw home wins against Cardiff and Plymouth before picking up their first away victory of the campaign against Millwall last time out.
Oxford United Travel to Preston
Team News, Form and Prediction
It wasn’t just three decent performances for the new head coach, but two successive clean sheets will be a major boost ahead of another busy and important month.
As for Preston, they lost 3-1 away at West Brom on New Year’s Day but had won their previous two on home soil. In fact, Paul Heckingbottom’s side are unbeaten in their last six at Deepdale, although the previous four of those were draws.
Oxford will be confident after picking up just their first away win of the season, although the Lilywhites have lost just twice from 13 home games this campaign.
The U’s saw skipper Elliott Moore replaced at half time with a groin injury, while in-form winger Przemyslaw Placheta also picked up a hamstring issue, according to Rowett in his post-match interview.
Preston have no new injury concerns but midfielders Robbie Brady and Brad Potts are both doubts for the fixture.
Gary Rowett is unbeaten in 14 previous league meetings with Preston, winning eight and drawing six – the only opponent he has faced more than seven times without ever losing.
Oxford won 3-1 when the sides met at Grenoble Road earlier in the season. That was the first league meeting since the 1999/2000 season when Preston did the double over the U’s.
Predicted line-up: Jamie Cumming, Greg Leigh, Ciaron Brown, Sam Long, Peter Kioso, Will Vaulks, Cameron Brannagan, Tyler Goodrham, Ruben Rodrigues, Przemyslaw Placheta, Mark Harris.
Prediction: Preston North End 1-1 Oxford United
