Oxford United mark their return to the Championship against Norwich City at the Kassam Stadium.
Oxford Utd are back in the second-tier for the first time in 25 years, whilst Norwich will look to build upon their sixth-placed finish of last season.
Team News
Will Goodwin is a doubt for Oxford Utd due to an ankle injury suffered in pre-season.
Will Vaulks, Louie Sibley, Jack Currie, Idris El Mizouni, Przemyslaw Placheta and Matt Phillips are set for their debuts, whilst fellow new signings; Jacob Knightbridge or Matt Ingram will make their bow in the goalkeeping position.
Norwich is unlikely to have defender, Jose Cordoba available after he missed their last two pre-season matches with a muscle injury.
Ashley Barnes (calf) is ruled out after he needed surgery in the off-season.
When is Kick-Off?
Oxford Utd face Norwich at Kassam Stadium on Saturday 10 August at 12:30pm BST, live on Sky Sports Football in the UK.
Stat Attack
- Oxford Utd have avoided defeat in three of their last five matches against Norwich (W2, D1, L2).
- Norwich have won four of their last seven league trips to Oxford Utd (W4, L3).
- Both teams have scored in just one of their last five league meetings at Kassam Stadium.
- Cameron Brannagan has produced three goals and one assist in four of Oxford Utd’s last five competitive matches (W3, D2).
- Jonathan Rowe scored four of Norwich’s seven goals in pre-season.
Prediction
With many footballing keyboard warriors already writing off the Us’ chances of staying up, I view this game as a chance for them to lay a marker with their disciplined high-pressing play which saw them promoted via the play-offs.
Des Buckingham’s side also has brought in players with solid EFL experience which will be of benefit this season, and the energy of this opening fixture at home should motivate them further.
Norwich meanwhile are under new management of Johannes Hoff Thorup and after a pre-season of adapting to his style, the Canaries now face their first competitive test with a likely possession based style set to be deployed.
If that is the case and Oxford Utd can be effective in their high press and go on the counter-attack then I do see them getting a result, especially if Norwich’s defence doesn’t improve on pre-season form.
Prediction: Oxford United 2-1 Norwich
Result: Oxford United 2-0 Norwich
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