Preview: Oxford United vs. Accrington Stanley - prediction, team news, lineups

The U's are virtually safe from the drop to the fourth tier, whilst Accrington need an unimaginable set of results to see their third-tier status spared for another term.

Match preview

Oxford recorded back-to-back League One wins for the first time since January at the end of April with a pair of brilliant results against Cheltenham Town and Forest Green Rovers.

Liam Manning's men put four past the Robins at the Kassam Stadium without reply, and just four days later goals from Billy Bodin, Tyler Goodrham and Kyle Joseph saw off already-relegated Rovers at the New Lawn.

United have now netted seven in their last two to end the season on a high note, with the U's only managing seven strikes combined in the 13 games prior to that thrashing of Wade Elliot's charges.

Currently sitting 19th in the League One standings and three points away from the relegation zone, Oxford know only an almost-impossible swing in goal difference would see them relegated on Sunday.

Although they have failed to hit the heights of recent seasons and will finish inside the bottom half of the division for the first time since 2018, Oxford will be afforded another crack at the third tier of English football next term.

Accrington's five-year stay in League One is approaching its conclusion after a run of five losses in their last six matches during a crucial and busy April period.

Ethan Hamilton's winner away at Bolton Wanderers last week gave Stanley a chance of taking their survival bid to the final matches, but a 2-1 loss at home to Cambridge United means they are all-but relegated.

John Coleman's men are three points from safety in the standings with only a trip to Oxfordshire to go, requiring a win coupled with losses for MK Dons, Morecambe and Cambridge - plus an enormous swing in goal difference - to remain in League One.

Stanley looked to have cemented themselves as a third-tier outfit following back-to-back top-half finishes between 2020 and 2022, but the club will now be plotting on how they escape the struggles of League Two football next year.

Accrington's away record this season is a large factor in their imminent relegation, with Coleman's side managing just 18 points and 11 goals in 22 trips away from Wham Stadium.

Oxford United League One form:

D

L

D

L

W

W

Accrington Stanley League One form:

L

L

L

L

W

L

Team News

Oxford will be without midfielder Ateef Konate as he has returned to his parent club Nottingham Forest - the 22-year-old featured five times in League One for the U's.

Stuart Findlay is an injury doubt due to a slight hamstring strain according to manager Manning, with the club unlikely to risk playing the centre-back with safety already virtually secured.

Accrington boss Coleman has revealed the club are already planning for life in League Two, and that could be reflected in his team selection on Sunday, with youngsters Jack Nolan and Nathan Butler-Oyedeji pushing for starts.

Tommy Leigh has not been a guaranteed starter in recent weeks despite being the club's top scorer - the 23-year-old will hope to add to his seven league goals in Sunday's final game.

Oxford United possible starting lineup:

Eastwood; Long, Moore, Anderson, Brown; McGuane, Brannagan, Murphy, Bodin, Goodrham; Joseph

Accrington Stanley possible starting lineup:

Jensen; Nottingham, Tharme, Rodgers; Coyle, Clark, Martin, Hamilton, McConville; Lowe, Pressley

We say: Oxford United 3-0 Accrington Stanley

Oxford can play without the fear of relegation on Sunday, and against an Accrington outfit who are destined for the drop, Manning's men could put on a real show for their home faithful.

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