Leeds United v Oxford United preview: Team news, head-to-head, prediction
Daniel Farke will be eager to return to winning ways with Leeds United back in Championship action against Oxford United this weekend.
The Whites squandered a golden opportunity to temporarily lead the Championship table last weekend, relying on a 93rd-minute own goal from Jack Whatmough to save a point in the 1-1 draw against Preston North End.
Farke will still be reeling from the result at Deepdale after Ben Whiteman escaped a red card for his challenge on Jayden Bogle, but the German will be keen to right the wrongs at Elland Road on Saturday [21 December].
Preview
Leeds are still keeping pace with Sheffield United at the top of the Championship but cannot afford to drop more points on Saturday with the Blades travelling to 21st-placed Cardiff City.
It is notoriously difficult to maintain a consistent run of form in the second tier, given the number of fixtures played throughout the season, but Farke must set the standard to realise his Premier League aspirations.
The Whites should move past Oxford United with ease at Elland Road; the managerless 20th-place outfit are winless in their last six outings.
However, Farke must be wary of the manager bounce. Des Buckingham lasted less than two months in the South East, and the players will be fighting for their lives ahead of a new managerial appointment.
Regardless, Leeds’ home form has been impeccable this season, with only one goal conceded in the last five matches at Elland Road – it is difficult to envision Oxford causing the hosts many problems on Saturday.
Form Guide [Championship]
Leeds United: DWWLW
Oxford United: LLDLL
Head-to-Head [all competitions]
Oxford United 4-3 Leeds United [24 July, 2018]
Leeds United 2-0 Oxford United [29 July, 2017]
Leeds United 3-0 Oxford United [28 August, 2012]
Team News for Leeds United v Oxford United
Leeds are facing a defensive crisis heading into the clash after Farke revealed Max Wober is likely to be unavailable for selection and Pascal Struijk has a 50/50 chance of featuring.
Junior Firpo remains sidelined after his foot injury sustained in the 2-0 win against Derby County alongside Ilia Gruev, who has not played for the Whites since the 1-1 draw against Norwich City in October.
Oxford United are struggling for options on the flanks, meanwhile, with Louis Sibley and Siriki Dembele sidelined for the weekend.
The Us will also be missing left-back Joe Bennett, who is not expected to return to action until after the New Year.
Predicted lineups for Leeds United v Oxford United
Leeds United: Meslier, Bogle, Rodon, Guilavogui, Byram, Tanaka, Rothwell, James, Aaronson, Ramazani, Joseph
Oxford United: Cumming, Kioso, Moore, Brown, Leigh, Mizouni, Brannagan, Phillips, Rodrigues, Goodrham, Scarlett
Where to watch?
The match at Elland Road kicks off at 3pm GMT on 21 December and will be unavailable for live television coverage in the UK.
Alternatively, supporters can also listen to commentary on BBC Radio Leeds.
Prediction: Leeds United 3-0 Oxford United
Leeds have too much firepower for the Oxford United defence to handle, and with Farke reeling from dropped points last weekend, this contest could be a blowout at Elland Road.
Regardless of who is in the opposition dugout, the gulf in class is too great between the sides, and the Whites should march to a resounding victory.
Oxford will arrive in West Yorkshire eager to put up a fight, but based on current form, this one promises to be one-way traffic in favour of the hosts.
In other Leeds news, the PGMOL will avoid escalating the Whites’ controversy after Daniel Farke’s reveal.
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