Oxford UtdOxford Unitedvs.West BromWest Bromwich Albion

While West Brom are preparing for a promotion bid in the second tier, Oxford are readying themselves for a League One playoff push.

Match preview

After failing to reach the playoffs for a third consecutive season last term, Oxford will be hoping they can mount a push for the top six this time around.

With an opening day meeting with Derby County fast approaching, the U's have been busy preparing for the upcoming season, with six friendlies already under their belt.

Karl Robinson's side claimed five consecutive victories over non-league opposition before facing Coventry City at the Kassam Stadium on Saturday.

Oxford ultimately came up short against the Championship side, with Jonathan Panzo scoring either side of half time to guide Coventry to a 2-0 victory.

After losing to Coventry at the weekend, Oxford will be looking to pick up positive results against football league opposition when they face West Brom and Wimbledon to round off their pre-season schedule.

Like their opponents, West Brom also have lofty aspirations for the upcoming season, with the Baggies looking to mount a promotion push this term.

Steve Bruce is preparing for his first full season as West Brom manager after taking over from Valerien Ismael in February.

The new boss has added three players to his squad in the current transfer window, with Jed Wallace, Jayson Molumby and John Swift all arriving at the Hawthorns this summer.

As well as being busy off the pitch, West Brom have been hard at work on it, playing four friendlies in pre-season as they build up for an opening league game against Middlesbrough.

Having lost just one of their four games played so far, the Baggies will be aiming to continue to build momentum in their final two friendlies against Oxford and Hertha Berlin.

Oxford United Club pre-season form:

West Bromwich Albion Club pre-season form:

Team News

Oxford will not be able to call upon the services of Sam Long, who is currently struggling with an injury issue, but the U's are hopeful the defender will return for the start of the season.

Jerome Sinclair and Jodi Jones are currently on trial with the club, and the pair could both feature in Tuesday's game as they try to earn themselves a contract.

The two trialists could line up in a front three alongside Matty Taylor, who is set to return to the side after missing Saturday's friendly through illness.

As for West Brom, two of their new signings started the weekend draw against Crewe Alexandra, with Wallace and Swift both featuring in the starting lineup.

Meanwhile, Molumby had to settle for a place on the bench, but the summer addition could come into the starting XI for Tuesday's contest.

Daryl Dike will pose West Brom's main goal threat, with the striker looking to find his goalscoring touch before the season begins.

Oxford United possible starting lineup:

Eastwood; Forde, Moore, Brown, Seddon; McGuane, Henry, Brannagan; Jones, Sinclair, Taylor

West Bromwich Albion possible starting lineup:

Button; Gardner-Hickman, Ajayi, O'Shea, Townsend; Molumby, Mowatt; Wallace, Swift, Diangana; Dike

We say: Oxford United 1-2 West Bromwich Albion

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