Preview: Oxford United vs. Exeter City - prediction, team news, lineups

Oxford dispatched Charlton Athletic 3-1 last time out, while Exeter beat Bristol Rovers 4-3.

Match preview

Having failed to win any of their previous four league outings, Thursday's victory against Charlton felt like a potentially pivotal one in terms of shaping Oxford's season.

The Yellows raced into a 2-0 lead with Billy Bodin and Matt Taylor bagging a goal each before the 25th minute, before Gatlin O'Donkor settled the home fans' growing nerves late on after Miles Leaburn had pulled one back for the visitors.

It has been a stop-start campaign for Karl Robinson's side, who have been perennial play-off contenders in recent seasons, but with only six points separating them and the top six ahead of Sunday's action, there is every chance they can still compete.

However, failing to beat Exeter would be yet another sign that mid-table may be all that they can hope for this season, especially should their inconsistency continue in the coming months.

For Exeter, there is far less pressure having only achieved promotion from League Two last season, but Gary Caldwell is beginning to gain momentum having replaced Matt Taylor in their managerial dugout in October.

The former Scotland defender had endured a winless run of five league games ahead of their trip to Bristol on Thursday, but his side prevailed after a topsy-turvy encounter against Joey Barton's men.

Having led 2-0 at half-time, the Grecians looked set for a surprisingly comfortable victory against their fellow promoted side, but the hosts fired three goals in the space of 17 minutes to turn the game around and leave Exeter on the brink of defeat.

However, Timothee Dieng looked to have claimed a point with five minutes of normal time remaining, before Sam Nombe latched onto a long punt forward from goalkeeper Jamal Blackman to lift the ball over the head of the onrushing James Belshaw in the opposite net and send the away fans into delirium.

Whether they can claim a second successive win on the road remains to be seen, but sitting in the top half of the table at this stage of the season is already more than the majority of Exeter's fans could have hoped for.

Oxford United League One form:

W

D

D

D

L

W

Oxford United form (all competitions):

D

W

D

D

L

W

Exeter City League One form:

L

D

D

L

D

W

Exeter City form (all competitions):

L

D

D

L

D

W

Team News

Robinson is unlikely to make any changes to his starting XI having finally seen their winless run come to an end against Charlton last time out.

As such, Yanic Wildschut and O'Donkor may both be reduced to making an impact from the bench once again.

Likewise, Jay Stansfield and Dieng may be a watchful spectator for the majority of the match, with Caldwell potentially selecting the same side which defeated Bristol Rovers in dramatic fashion.

Kyle Taylor remains sidelined after fracturing his ankle.

Oxford United possible starting lineup:

McGinty; Anderson, Moore, Long, Brown; Bate, McGuan, Brannagan; Murphy, Taylor, Bodin

Exeter City possible starting lineup:

Blackman; Sweeney, Diabate, Hartridge; Caprice, Collins, Kite, Sparkes; Jay; Brown, Nombe

We say: Oxford United 2-1 Exeter City

After both sides were involved in thrilling matches on Thursday, we can envisage more goals between these two teams on Sunday.

The short turnaround is likely to cause some tired legs out there at Kassam Stadium, with both managers' usage of their respective benches potentially pivotal during the latter stages.

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