The U’s travel to Highbury Stadium on Saturday to face a Fleetwood side that they are expected to beat. Over the last few years, this fixture has seen plenty of goalmouth action but Oxford United have just edged the scoreline on a few occasions.
Fleetwood
The Fishermen have been really poor so far this season and they have struggled to get out of the rut that they find themselves in. Fleetwood started the season with a respectable 1-1 draw away to Carlisle united, but the results since then have been nothing short of a disaster. Matt Lawlor’s side have lost their last five games and they sit in 23rd place in the table. Unfortunately, they have also failed to score a goal at home in two attempts, therefore the goal this weekend would be to unironically score a goal.
Fleetwood’s last league game saw them start brightly, taking the lead in the 16th minute through Jayden Stockley, but minutes prior to the halftime whistle, Charlton had levelled the scoring. A 73rd minute penalty for Charlton then secured them the victory as the goal knocked the wind out of the Fishermen’s sails.
Oxford Utd
Unlike their next opponent, the U’s have had a solid start to the campaign and are two points behind first place, whilst having a game in hand. Despite only being two points behind, Oxford do sit in 7th place after winning four and losing two. Liam Manning’s side have been ruthless in front of goal and seem to be scoring at will, however they are also slightly questionable defensively which may encourage Fleetwood.
Oxford’s most recent game in League One ended in dramatic fashion and showcased why the league is pure entertainment. In the 62nd minute, Mark Harris was handed a straight red card for violent conduct and ten minutes later their opponent Port Vale took the lead. Fast forward to the 93rd minute and Greg Leigh had equalised before being sent off two minutes later. Ending the game with nine men proved to be too difficult as a 99th minute penalty handed the visitors all three points.
Verdict?
Oxford won four games in a row before their 2-1 defeat last time out, but I expect them to return to winning ways this weekend. Fleetwood would have to make a dramatic turn around to win the tie but I cannot see that happening, even with the home support.
The final prediction is Fleetwood 0-2 Oxford Utd
