Oxford Utdvs.Bristol City

Meanwhile, the Robins will be looking to claim back-to-back victories after getting the better of Blackburn in their most recent outing.

Match preview

Oxford were languishing in 23rd position without a win in seven league games when Rowett took over the reins in December.

The former Millwall boss has overseen a dramatic upturn in fortunes, guiding his team to five victories and three draws in eight league matches, leaving them in 16th place with a nine-point gap to safety.

Oxford had to settle for a goalless scoreline in last Saturday's meeting with Rowett's former side, Stoke City, representing a third consecutive draw on the road.

The U's will now return to the familiar surroundings of the Kassam Stadium, where they have won each of their four home matches under Rowett's watch.

As a result of those victories, Oxford have collected 28 points from 15 home matches in the Championship this season - a tally that has only been bettered by four other teams.

They will hope home advantage can help them claim maximum points in their first home meeting with Bristol City since losing 1-0 in the third tier in September 2000.

Bristol City are sitting in eighth place in the Championship table after winning 10, drawing 11 and losing eight of their 29 league matches this season.

The Robins bounced back from a three-game winless run to claim a narrow 2-1 victory in last Saturday's home clash with fellow playoff hopefuls Blackburn Rovers.

Scott Twine saw his opener cancelled out by former Bristol City forward Andreas Weimann, before Nakhi Wells struck in the 77th minute to seal the victory, leaving the Robins three points adrift of sixth-placed Middlesbrough.

That result represented a fourth consecutive league win at Ashton Gate, extending their unbeaten home run to six Championship matches.

However, they have struggled to produce a similar run of form on the road, having failed to win any of their last eight away matches since beating Norwich City on November 9.

Manning will enter Saturday's fixture with the chance to complete a league double over his former side after the Robins recorded a 2-1 victory in September's home fixture.

Oxford United Championship form:

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Oxford United form (all competitions):

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Bristol City Championship form:

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Bristol City form (all competitions):

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Team News

The hosts are expected to be without the services of Elliott Moore, Owen Dale and Max Woltman due to injury.

Full-back Joe Bennett is believed to be close to returning from a long injury layoff, but it remains to be seen whether he will be ready for Saturday's contest.

Ole ter Haar Romeny could be given more minutes off the bench after making his Oxford debut as a substitute in the goalless draw against Stoke.

As for the visitors, Ayman Benarous remains unavailable for selection, while former Oxford midfielder Marcus McGuane is a doubt after missing the last three matches.

Manning can no longer call upon Kal Naismith services after the 32-year-old completed a loan move to Luton Town earlier this week.

Mark Sykes and Wells could be recalled to the starting lineup after the pair came off the bench to play the final half-hour of the recent win over Blackburn.

Oxford United possible starting lineup:

Cumming; Kioso, Helik, Brown, Leigh; Vaulks, Brannagan; Placheta, Rodrigues, Dembele; Bradshaw

Bristol City possible starting lineup:

O'Leary; McNally, Dickie, Vyner; Sykes, Bird, Knight, Roberts; Twine, Mehmeti, Wells

We say: Oxford United 2-1 Bristol City

Written by

Ben Sully

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