Leeds United vs Oxford United Prediction: U’s set to lose on the road

Oxford United made a big call this week as they decided to part company with Des Buckingham, the manager who won them a surprise promotion from League 1 last term. They currently sit one point above the bottom three but they have only won one of their last 16 games and the board clearly believe they have a better chance of survival with a new man at the helm.

At the time of writing the search for a new manager is ongoing, and Oxford are preparing for the toughest test possible, as they face a trip to Elland Road on Saturday afternoon. Below you can find my Leeds United vs Oxford United predictions featuring team news and betting tips. 

Team News

It feels as though it is now only a matter of time before Ethan Ampadu returns to Leeds’ starting XI, but perhaps a home game against lowly Oxford may not be the right fixture for him. I’d expect him to play at least half an hour here as Daniel Farke manages his minutes carefully, with Ao Tanaka and Joe Rothwell performing well in his absence. 

I’d expect Largie Ramazani to come back into the team having come off the bench at Deepdale, while the striker debate rumbles on. Joel Piroe, Patrick Bamford and Mateo Joseph are all exceptional options, but it looks as though Piroe may get the not once again ahead of the other two. 

Ilia Gruev, Junior Firpo and Joe Gelhardt remain sidelined for the hosts so Sam Byram is likely to continue at left-back, with Max Wober another option for that position. Brenden Aaronsen will continue in the number 10 role, Manor Solomon may have to settle for a spot on the bench. 

For Oxford - who knows? Experienced heads Mark Harris, Will Vaulks and Matt Phillips could all return to the starting XI while Sirki Dembele and Louie Sibley are getting closer to returns. You’d expect the U’s to line up in a more defensive shape, and goalkeeper Jamie Cumming is going to have to have the game of his life if they are to emerge from Yorkshire with a point.

Leeds United vs Oxford United Odds

Having won nine and lost just one of their 11 home games so far, Leeds are priced at 1/8 to win this game. Oxford are a massive price at 14/1, but they haven’t won on the road this season, losing seven of their nine games away from the Kassam. Meanwhile, a draw can be backed at 11/2.

Over 2.5 goals has come in during 60% of Oxford’s matches so far and is available at 8/15 while BTTS is 13/8. Joseph is the favourite to score first at 7/2, but he’s only scored three times this term. 

Leeds rescued a 1-1 draw with Preston last time out, and Farke is still looking for answers to their inconsistent away form, but at home they’ve been almost untouchable. 

Leeds United to win to nil @ 3/5

Easy work, even if it’s a short price. I don’t know what we are going to get from Oxford but I can’t imagine that the players are too enthused about losing the boss that got them promoted just six months ago. Elland Road is the toughest place to go in the league and Leeds have now won their last eight league games on the bounce there. 

Drawing games away from home isn’t an issue if they are picking up the maximum every time they step up to the Elland Road oche, and I imagine they won’t have any trouble against the U’s on Saturday. There’s just too much quality in this Leeds team, and Farke doesn’t tend to lose matches like this when he is gunning for promotion. 25 goals scored and just six conceded at home this term - this should be another straightforward win.

Joel Piroe to score anytime @ 21/20

These picks aren’t the most glamorous, but I think we will be onto a couple of winners. Piroe looks to have got the nod as Leeds’ number nine this term and he is without a doubt the best finisher at the club. Get him in the box and he will score you goals, and that’s exactly what I believe will happen on Saturday. 

Oxford don’t have much quality at the back and I think this could be somewhat of an onslaught. Although I rate Buckingham as a manager, I’d have been more adventurous with a big home win if he was still in charge, but now he has gone, we just don’t know what kind of reaction the Oxford players will give. Instead, I’ll back Piroe to get his eighth of the campaign at just above EVS. 

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