Oxford United will be looking to build on their vital win over West Brom when the U’s travel to Preston on Friday night.
It’s been a mixed bag of results since Matt Bloomfield replaced Gary Rowett at the turn of the year but the victory against the Baggies has seen the U’s move to within three points of safety. A win in Lancashire on Friday night would move them out of the relegation zone for the first time since November.
Read More: Latest Oxford United Team and Injury News for Trip to Preston
Oxford United Travel to Preston
Team News, Form and Predicted Line-Up
Promotion-chasing Preston have hit a stumbling block in recent weeks with Paul Heckingbottom’s side picking up just one win in their last ten games in all competitions. The Lilywhites have lost six games in that run.
At home, Preston have only managed wins over Portsmouth and Sheffield Wednesday in their last nine. Oxford’s away form has slightly improved in recent weeks with draws at Coventry and Middlesbrough but Bloomfield will be looking to turn that point into another important three.
The U’s are still without long-term absentees Tyler Goodrham and Brian De Keersmaecker but could welcome back Brodie Spencer, Przemyslaw Placheta and Jamie McDonnell for this game. Preston only have goalkeeper Daniel Iversen missing but it’s still a big loss for the hosts, who have managed just one clean sheet in their last ten games.
Spurs loanee Will Lankshear ended his goal drought last time out to take his tally to seven for the season. For Preston, Lewis Dobin also has seven league goals while three players currently sit on six goals.
Preston won the reverse fixture at Grenoble Road while it ended in a 1-1 draw when the sides met at Deepdale last season.
Matt Bloomfield has only faced Preston once as his Luton side played out a goalless draw against the Lilywhites.
Oxford United Predicted Line-Up
Jamie Cumming
Sam Long
Michal Helik
Ciaron Brown
Jack Currie
Yunus Konak
Cameron Brannagan
Stan Mills
Jamie Donley
Myles Peart-Harris
Will Lankshear
Prediction: Preston North End 0-1 Oxford United
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