Preview: Oxford United vs. Derby County - prediction, team news, lineups

The visitors, meanwhile, will be looking to return to winning ways after picking up just one point from their last two matches.

Match preview

Oxford are still searching for a permanent manager after Karl Robinson was relieved of his duties following a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Bristol Rovers on February 25.

The temporary management team made up of Craig Short, Leon Blackmore-Such and Wayne Brown took charge of last Saturday's away meeting with Lincoln City, but the trio were unable to instigate an immediate upturn in fortunes.

Daniel Mandriou's 23rd-minute spot kick proved to be the only goal of the game, condemning Oxford to their fourth consecutive defeat.

Having picked up just one point from their previous nine games, the U's are languishing in 18th place in the League One table with three points separating them from the drop zone.

If Oxford are to preserve their League One status then they will need to improve on home turf after picking up 18 points from their 17 league games at the Kassam Stadium - only Forest Green Rovers and MK Dons have picked up fewer home points this season.

While the U's are currently battling to remain in the third tier, Derby are aiming to finish in the top six, but their progress has slowed in recent weeks.

The Rams have won only two of their last seven games, and they have had to settle for a point from their last two fixtures despite taking the lead in both matches.

After giving up a two-goal advantage to draw with Shrewsbury Town last weekend, Derby opened the scoring in their midweek away meeting with second-placed Plymouth Argyle, however, they were unable to hold onto their narrow lead, conceding two second-half goals as they slumped to a third consecutive away defeat.

The Rams head into the weekend in the final playoff position, and they are four points clear of seventh-placed Wycombe Wanderers, who have a game in hand.

Derby will now turn their attention to Saturday's contest where they will attempt to complete a league double over Oxford after recording a 1-0 home victory when the two sides met on the opening day of the season.

Oxford United League One form:

L

D

L

L

L

L

Derby County League One form:

D

W

L

W

D

L

Team News

Oxford are expected to be without the services of Sam Baldock, Josh Murphy and Billy Bodin, although the latter is set to return to training on Monday.

After missing the last two games through injury, Tyler Smith will be among the substitutes for Saturday's encounter.

Marcus McGuane featured as a late substitute against Lincoln, and the midfielder is in contention to start against Derby.

As for the visitors, James Chester is unavailable as he builds up his fitness after spending over four months on the sidelines.

After missing the last eight games, Max Bird has returned to full training, and he may be fit enough to take his place on the bench.

Lewis Dobbin dropped out of the lineup for Tuesday's defeat to Plymouth, but the winger could return to the starting lineup on Saturday.

Oxford United possible starting lineup:

Eastwood; Long, Moore, Findlay, Brown; Bate, Brannagan, McGuane; Goodrham, Browne, Joseph

Derby County possible starting lineup:

Wildsmith; Smith, Forsyth, Cashin, Roberts; White, Hourihane; Mendez-Laing, Knight, Dobbin; McGoldrick

We say: Oxford United 0-2 Derby County

Although Derby's form has tailed off in recent weeks, we think that they will prove to be too strong for an Oxford side who have lost eight of their last nine matches.

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