Preview: Wycombe Wanderers vs. Oxford United - prediction, team news, lineups

The Chairboys lost 2-1 at Bolton Wanderers during their most-recent fixture, whilst the U's promotion charge was boosted by a 4-2 success against Wigan Athletic.

Match preview

Wycombe's four-game unbeaten run across League One and the EFL Trophy came to a disappointing end at the home of Bolton on Tuesday night, when some late goalscoring action from the visitors at the Toughsheet Community Stadium was not enough to snatch any of the points.

Two strikes either side of the half-time whistle from Gethin Jones and former Wolverhampton Wanderers poacher Jon Dadi Bodvarsson handed the hosts a two-goal lead heading into added-on time, with a 98th-minute Luke Leahy proving to be a mere consolation for the Chairboys.

Having lost just three of their last 12 League One matches, Matt Bloomfield's men have been able to climb away from immediate danger at the foot of the third-tier standings, with Saturday's hosts currently occupying 15th position, six points ahead of 21st-placed Port Vale.

Finding the net has been a slight issue for Wycombe's striker this term judging by their Golden Boot race, with 31-year-old midfielder Leahy leading the way with eight league goals, with Dale Taylor, Garath McCleary and ex-Burnley marksman Sam Vokes all tied on four each.

The Chairboys will be hoping for a repeat for their last League One fixture at Adam's Park, where the hosts on February put five goals past top-six chasers Peterborough United, with Jack Grimmer, Kieran Sadlier and David Wheeler all getting their names onto the scoresheet during a 5-2 victory.

After five matches without tasting success in League One, Oxford United got their playoff ambitions back on track with a 4-2 win over relegation-threatened Wigan at The Kassam Stadium on Tuesday night, although it was not smooth sailing for the hosts for the entire contest.

Following a cagey opening 40 minutes, the visiting Latics opened the scoring through Jordan Jones, however the U's were able to strike back with vengeance, as Josh Murphy, Cameron Brannagan, Ruben Rodrigues and Tyler Goodrham all breached the net of the highly-rated Sam Tickle.

Having put a much-needed three points on the board during the midweek win over Wigan, Des Buckingham's side now sit sixth in the League One table, two points ahead of seventh-placed Stevenage and seven ahead of Leyton Orient, who also enjoyed a victory on Tuesday night.

After playing the majority of his senior career in Wales at the likes of Cardiff City, Wrexham and Newport County, Mark Harris made the trip over the border into England during the summer transfer window and has not looked back, netting nine goals and two assists in the third tier so far.

The U's record away from their Kassam Stadium home is one of the best in the division, with Buckingham's charges winning eight of their 16 matches away from their Oxfordshire base - only Derby County, Portsmouth and the aforementioned Stevenage have won more on their travels this campaign.

Wycombe Wanderers League One form:

D

L

D

W

W

L

Wycombe Wanderers form (all competitions):

L

D

W

W

W

L

Oxford United League One form:

L

L

D

D

D

W

Team News

Wycombe are expected to rotate their XI slightly from the side who lost at Bolton on Tuesday, with Beryly Lubala and Sadlier potentially dropping to the bench.

The Chairboys also have a number of men pushing for third-tier starts on the weekend, including former Clarets man Vokes and fellow attacker Richard Kone.

Leading marksman Leahy is set to feature at left-back once again, with Ryan Tafazolli and Joseph Low making up the centre-back partnership.

After being replaced at the half-time interval against Wigan last time out, winger Owen Dale is not expected to start back-to-back matches.

Youngster Goodrham looks set for a promotion from the bench following a goal in the second half against the Latics, with Billy Bodin banging on Buckingham's door to be selected in the XI.

Wycombe Wanderers possible starting lineup:

Stryjek; McCarthy, Low, Tafazolli, Leahy; Butcher, Potts; Campbell, Taylor, Vokes; McCleary

Oxford United possible starting lineup:

Cumming; Long, Moore, Brown, Leigh; McGuane, Matete, Goodrham, Brannagan, Murphy; Harris

We say: Wycombe Wanderers 2-3 Oxford United

Having netted 11 goals in their last three home matches, Wycombe will be confident of another positive result at their Buckinghamshire home this weekend.

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