Oxford United vs Norwich: Prediction, Preview & Betting Tips

In this game between a newly promoted side and promotion hopefuls, we are backing the latter to take victory. Norwich finished in the top six last season and are hoping to do so again this year. We expect them to make the perfect start by edging out Oxford United in their opener. In their last four away games, Norwich have lost just once, with that strong form likely to continue.

Going forward, keep an eye out for Josh Sargent and Cameron Brannagan to provide at least one shot on target each. Sargent scored 16 goals in 24 starts last campaign for Norwich, whilst Brannagan will look to build on an impressive season last year in which he recorded 21 goal contributions for Oxford.

Oxford were among the top scorers in League One before their promotion, and have enough to cause Norwich some trouble. However, the superior experience and quality of their opponents may be too much to overcome in the first game – Oxford United 1-2 Norwich

Oxford United begin life back in the second tier for the first time in 25 years with a home game against Norwich to open up the Championship season.

• Date: 10/08/24
• Kick-off time: 12:30
• Venue: Kassam Stadium

Following last season’s 2-0 victory in the League One play-off final against Bolton, Oxford United are in the highest division they have been in since the 1999. They enjoyed a good season, finishing fifth, and have been rewarded with the opportunity to test themselves at the next level. It comes after eight consecutive seasons in League One, following a further two years in League Two.

Des Buckingham is beginning his second season in charge of the club and is looking to continue the momentum gained last year. Oxford United were among the highest scorers in their division with 79 goals, only three teams found the back of the net more times. They were not as strong at the back, though they conceded just once in three games during their run to the play-off final.

They face a Norwich team who are looking to bounce back from play-off disappointment, as they were eliminated by Leeds at the first stage. The finished sixth in the table, but were unable to get the job done. The Canaries will look to get back to the Premier League at the third time of asking since their relegation in 2022.

Defensively, Norwich were one of the weaker teams towards the top, with their 64 goals conceded, the most among the top eight sides. Their issues continued into pre-season, with them keeping just one clean sheet in six games, which came in a 3-0 win over lower league Northampton.

A pair who could trouble them are Cameron Brannagan and Mark Harris. In the league, the duo scored 13 and 15 goals respectively, and are Oxford’s main threats. However, the visitors are the stronger side and will be favourites. Last season, they were led by Josh Sargent’s 16 goals, followed by 13 and 12 from Gabriel Sara and Jon Rowe.

This will be the first meeting in any capacity between these two sides since 1999, when they were both in the First Division. Historically, they have met 22 times dating back to 1968, with Norwich the superior side. The Canaries have won 11 games to Oxford’s seven, with five draws. In the last four games, there have been two wins each, and plenty of goals. There was a combined 15 goals in these four fixtures.

Oxford United vs Norwich will be available to watch on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football.

Oxford United

Oxford United made a number of signings in the summer who will hope to make an immediate impact. Goalkeeper Jamie Cumming joined from Chelsea and is expected to be the starter. Peter Kioso, Idris El Mizouni, Louie Sibley and Przemyslaw Placheta were all also involved in the final pre-season game and look set to play prominent roles.

Norwich

Josh Sargent is fully fit and available after suffering through some injuries over the summer. New signing Ben Chrisene expects to be involved, whilst Adam Idah could make an appearance following his return from loan.

Oxford United:

In their last five games, Oxford have won two and lost three. It has been a mixed pre-season for Oxford United as they look ahead to life in the Championship. However, they won their first game of this stretch as they beat Solihull Moors 3-0 to continue their preparations. Oxford were the better side throughout, taking the lead through Mark Harris, before Tyler Goodrham and James Golding added to the scoreline.

They were unable to continue this momentum as they fell 1-0 to Exeter City. An early header from Josh Magennis was the difference between the two sides. They lost by the same score against Mansfield, but got back on track with an impressive win over Premier League side Southampton. First half goals from Harris and Ruben Rodrigues secured the win.

Last time out, they took on the Italians Palermo to conclude pre-season. They could not end their pre-season on a positive note though as they were defeated 2-0.

Norwich:

In their last five games, Norwich have drawn two and lost three. It has been an overly poor pre-season for the Canaries as they prepare for the new campaign. They have played various opponents, and this run began with a 3-0 loss against Belgian side Club Brugge. Their hosts went ahead after just four minutes, before doubling their advantage just shy of the 10-minute mark. They added a third after the break.

A second game in Belgium saw them draw 1-1 with Standard Liege. Norwich started strong, and took the lead through Borja Sainz after nine minutes. However, their lead would not last for long, as their opponents equalised just five minutes later. Another defeat followed as they lost 1-0 to Magdeburg of Germany.

Their next German opponent was Hoffenheim, against whom they were able to pick up a 2-2 draw after going behind. In their most recent game, they welcomed St Pauli to Carrow Road. However, they ended their pre-season with a 3-1 defeat. Jonathan Rowe was their goalscorer.

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