Oxford vs Stevenage Prediction: Oxford to down stunned Stevenage

Oxford United will look to take advantage of a Stevenage side stunned by the sudden departure of manager Steve Evans when the sides meet at Kassam Stadium on Friday night (20:00 kick-off).

A shock announcement was made on Wednesday after it was confirmed by Stevenage that Evans would leave the club with immediate effect to return to Rotherham United.

While the club have Alex Revell in charge for their remaining two games as they look for a permanent replacement, the Stevenage squad have the tough ask of trying to win on the road at promotion chasers Oxford. Here is my Oxford vs Stevenage prediction, as well as match odds and team news.

Team News

Starting with the hosts, Oxford will be without the injured Kyle Edwards and Will Goodwin, while James Henry is a doubt after suffering a recent ankle knock.

The injured Elliott Moore is also a doubt for manager Des Buckingham, however Joe Bennett is pushing for a return after his recent three-match absence.

As for the visitors, Taye Ashby-Hammond, Luther James-Wildin, Alex MacDonald and Jake Forster-Caskey are all injured, while Dan Butler is suspended after his red card against Burton at the weekend.

Manchester City loanee Finley Burns was forced off in that game against the Brewers and now faces a race against time to be ready for Friday.

Match Odds

Oxford United are the 8/11 - or 57.9% chance - favourites to win on home soil, while Stevenage are available at 16/5 to cause an upset at Kassam Stadium.

The draw on the night is available at 12/5, while over 2.5 total goals in the game is 1/1.

Oxford to win and both teams to score @ 11/4

After winning 3-1 at Stevenage earlier this season, Oxford look to be well-placed to do the league double over Boro this term.

Having been on a three-game winning streak before a 1-0 defeat to Lincoln City, Oxford will be determined to respond at the first time of asking.

Looking to secure their place in the top six, Oxford should have enough quality to beat a Stevenage side that are still coming to terms with Evans leaving so abruptly and have little chance of making the play-offs.

Both teams have scored in all of the last five meetings between these sides and we expect that trend to continue, with Oxford coming out on top.

Mark Harris to score anytime @ 9/5

The leading goalscorer for Oxford this season, Mark Harris has enjoyed an impressive League One campaign so far.

Scoring 14 league goals already this term, Harris finds himself in a rich vein of form, with five goals in his last four games for the U’s.

Considering his scoring record in recent weeks, the 25-year-old Welshman is certainly worth considering at 9/5 in the anytime goalscorer market.

 Betfred are running their famed Double Delight & Hat-trick Heaven offer on this match, meaning that if a player scores first and then nets again, you will be paid at double the odds. If he grabs a hat-trick, you will be paid at treble the odds!

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