Oxford vs Sunderland Prediction: U’s set for more disappointment at the Kassam

Sunderland sit comfortably in the middle of the Premier League table so they can afford to go on a decent FA Cup run. The Black Cats head to the Kassam Stadium on Sunday to face Oxford United in the fourth round (14:00 GMT, discovery+).

The U's are focusing on Championship survival and have lost three of their last four matches. Below you will find my Oxford vs Sunderland predictions, including the latest team news and match odds.

Team News

Tyler Goodrham (ankle), Brian De Keersmaecher and Jamie Donley (both shoulder are out injured for Oxford.

Will Vaulks, Ben Davies and Brodie Spencer may be in contention to start for the U's on Sunday.

Football Odds

Sunderland will be hoping that captain Granit Xhaka can return from an ankle injury soon. If he is declared for this trip, he may be limited to a spot on the bench to prepare him for a return to Premier League action.

Betrand Traore is also absent owing to a knee problem. He last featured for Sunderland in December before his Africa Cup of Nations campaign with Burkina Faso.

The likes of Lutsharel Geertruida, Wilson Isidor, Luke O'Nien, Eliezer Mayenda, Chris Rigg and Chemsdine Talbi will be pushing to start for the visitors on Sunday.

Today's Football Fixtures

Oxford vs Sunderland Odds

Oxford are 4/1 to stun their Premier League visitors inside 90 minutes.

Both teams required extra time and penalties to advance from the third round, with the draw marketed at 11/4.

Sunderland are the 8/11 favourites to triumph in regulation time and they have won two of their previous five matches.

BTTS - No has landed in each of the Black Cats' past three fixtures, while this has been a winning selection in five of Oxford's last seven appearances. It is valued at 4/5 for Sunday.

Handicap -1 - Sunderland -1 @ 21/10

Sunderland have just suffered back-to-back defeats for the first time this season but they are in no real threat of relegation this season as they sit 12 points clear of the relegation zone.

Regis Le Bris and his players have a rare luxury for a promoted side - they can give the FA Cup a good go. Oxford, on the other hand, are nestled in the Championship relegation zone, four points adrift of safety.

Matt Bloomfield's charges have suffered three defeats in their last four, so their priority is going to be on maintaining their second tier status. Key personnel may be rested ahead of a tough trip to league leaders Middlesbrough next Saturday.

Therefore, I see this as something of a free hit for Sunderland to reach the fifth round. The Black Cats have plenty of quality in attack so I am backing them to win with a -1 handicap, meaning they need to triumph by two-plus goals on Sunday.

Considering Oxford have lost by such a margin in each of their past three defeats, 21/10 seems like good value.

Which Team To Score - Only Sunderland @ 8/5

Oxford have proven to be lacking in firepower in recent months. The U's have failed to score in six of their previous 10 competitive fixtures and for that reason I believe backing Sunderland to be the only team on the scoresheet offers good value at 8/5 (implied probability of 38.5%).

The visitors recently won 3-0 against Burnley at the Stadium of Light in the Premier League, showcasing their attacking quality on that day. Their 30 goals conceded in 26 league matches is one of the strongest defensive records in the division, so I think the Black Cats are capable of shutting out an Oxford outfit who are struggling to find the net.

2 Up Early Payout

Pre-Match Football bets on the 2 Up Early Payout market in selected games. Paid as a winner within 5 minutes if your team goes 2 goals ahead. Selected leagues only. 90 mins only. T&Cs Apply.

Sports Welcome Offer

New customers only. Deposit via Debit Card & place first bet £10+ (1/1+) on Sports in 7 days. £30 Sports & £20 Acca Free Bets within 10 hrs of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility, payment excl. & T&Cs Apply.

You can read all our latest Football Betting Tips at our dedicated Betfred Insights content hub.