Oxford vs Leeds predictions: Leaders can take another step forward
&w=707&quality=100)
- Leeds are homing in on a return to the Premier League with four Championship games remaining
- Oxford should be positive as they look to ease any second-tier relegation fears
- Recommended bet: Leeds to win and both teams to score
Having suffered heartache in last season’s Championship play-offs, Leeds look to be leaving nothing to chance this time in their quest to return to the Premier League and they could take a huge stride by winning at Oxford on Friday.
Their hosts have worked hard to drag themselves away from the relegation dogfight and it could be an entertaining game as Gary Rowett’s side know a positive result would do wonders for their chances of ensuring their second-tier spot for another campaign.
Team news
Oxford defender Ciaron Brown has been ruled out for the rest of the season with the knee injury he suffered in the 3-1 defeat at home to QPR but hopes are high that right-back Hidde ter Avest will be available after a head injury.
Daniel James remains doubtful for Leeds after missing Saturday’s 2-1 win over Preston with a hamstring injury while Joe Rothwell is also struggling with a calf problem.
The stats
&w=707&quality=100)
Leeds have lost only two of their last 26 matches.
Oxford have scored in 16 of their last 17 home games.
The U's have won on just three of their last 14 outings.
Both teams have scored in four of Leeds’ last five Championship games.
Ten of Oxford’s 12 league wins this season have come at the Kassam Stadium.
Prediction
Leeds’ quest to get back into the Premier League has been aided by Sheffield United losing three straight games at such a key part of the season and Daniel Farke’s Whites will be confident they can finish the job.
However, they face an Oxford team who are hungry to gain the few points they need to preserve their second-tier status following promotion last season and Leeds will not need reminding that the Blades suffered a 1-0 reverse at the Kassam Stadium less than two weeks ago.
Gary Rowett’s side enjoy a six-point cushion above the bottom three, which they would have probably settled for at this stage after winning the League One play-offs last season, and while they lost their last home game against QPR 3-1, they should go on the front foot.
They have scored in all but one of their last 17 home matches and are a lot stronger at the Kassam Stadium than they are on the road, where they have won just twice in the league all season.
A win over Leeds would be a surprise, especially as Farke’s side have their eyes on the prize and have lost just one of their last 12 league games on the road, but Oxford can still score in what looks set to be a home loss.
Win up to £250,000 with LiveScore 6!
Win up to £250,000 with our free-to-play game, LiveScore 6!
