Oxford United
- Oxford United have only won 2 of their 10 home matches this season (D4, L4).
- Oxford United’s slide down the Championship table is an alarming 22nd with the U’s having collected only 19 points from 22 games.
- Newly-appointed head coach Gary Rowett has already stamped his authority on the squad, instilling a structure-first approach and 4-2-3-1 or 4-5-1 that focuses on protecting the box and counter-attacking from a compact block when they have the ball.
- The U’s have not been prolific in front of goal at any point this term, however, and appear particularly toothless at home where they have scored only 11 goals in 10 home matches.
- Lankshear has been the team’s biggest threat in attack this term with five goals in 21 league appearances and will be the main man to watch for Oxford on Friday.
Southampton
- Tonda Eckert has the Saints ticking on both sides of the ball for the time being and seems to have the balance about right to keep Southampton in the promotion shake-up.
- Saints have won two, drawn one and lost two of their last five Championship matches, a run that has seen them slip to 11th on 31 points after 22 games.
- Southampton have conceded 20 goals in 11 away games, however, so there may be an air of nervousness about them on Friday.
Key Players
Lankshear has been the team’s biggest threat in attack this term with five goals in 21 league appearances and will be the main man to watch for Oxford on Friday.
Betting Insights
- Eckert’s men look likely to outgun Oxford for the points here at 1.82.
- Backing both teams to score at 1.62 offers a decent alternative to the straight wager.
- Oxford can’t be backed with much conviction at 4.1, even at the long odds.
Prediction
A lack of forward depth and the quality of Southampton’s team should see the visitors through.
