Preview: Leyton Orient vs. Oxford United - prediction, team news, lineups

The visitors, meanwhile, are currently without a permanent manager after Liam Manning decided to accept the managerial post at Bristol City.

Match preview

Leyton Orient would have been pleased with their efforts in October after going the whole month without losing any of their five league games (W2, D3).

The only real frustration Richie Wellens will have is that his side has had to settle for draws in each of their last three league matches, leaving them in 15th position in the standings.

After rounding off October with a goalless affair against Burton Albion, the O's began November with a 3-1 win over Carlisle United in the first round of the FA Cup.

While they managed to progress in one cup competition, they were eliminated from the EFL Trophy in midweek after losing 2-1 to 10-man Portsmouth in their final group game.

Although they may have lost at Brisbane Road on Tuesday, Leyton Orient have managed to avoid defeat in each of their last three home league games (W2, L1).

Oxford, who occupy the second automatic promotion spot, are currently searching for a new manager after Manning left his position to become Bristol City's new manager.

Craig Short, who has been placed on interim charge, saw a positive reaction from the Oxford players in their first game following Manning's departure.

Oxford swept past Chelsea Under-21 in Tuesday's EFL Trophy game, with a Josh Murphy brace and goals from Sonny Perkins, Jordan Thorniley and Mark Harris guiding the U's to a 5-0 victory, securing their place in the knockout rounds.

After previously beating Lincoln City and Maidenhead United in the league and FA Cup respectively, the U's have now recorded three consecutive victories without conceding.

Having won six of their last seven competitive away games, they will certainly be confident about their chances of claiming another victory in Saturday's trip to the capital.

Leyton Orient League One form:

L

W

W

D

D

D

Leyton Orient form (all competitions):

W

D

D

D

W

L

Oxford United League One form:

W

W

D

L

D

W

Oxford United form (all competitions):

D

L

D

W

W

W

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Team News

Leyton Orient will be without the services of Jordan Graham for an extended period after he recently underwent surgery on a knee injury.

The 28-year-old is joined in the treatment room by the injured trio of Dan Agyei, Adam Thompson and Max Sanders.

Shaq Forde, who missed the midweek EFL Trophy defeat through suspension, will return to the matchday squad for Saturday's contest, but he may have to settle for a place on the bench.

As for the visitors, Sam Long is set to miss a third consecutive game after sustaining an ankle injury against Lincoln City last month.

They are also unable to call upon the injured duo of Kyle Edwards and Marcus Browne, who are a week or two away from returning to training.

After making a number of changes in midweek, Short is expected to name a side similar to the one that started against Maidenhead lead weekend.

Leyton Orient possible starting lineup:

Brynn; Turns, Happe, Cooper; James, Brown, Galbraith, El Mizouni, Archibald; Sotiriou, Pigott

Oxford United possible starting lineup:

Beadle; Negru, Moore, Brown; Stevens, McGuane, Brannagan, Leigh; Goodrham, Bodin, Harris

We say: Leyton Orient 1-2 Oxford United

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