2025-26 Sky Bet Championship: Week 36 – Friday

Preston host relegation-battling Oxford United in a huge Sky Bet Championship clash.

Victory will lift Preston up to eighth in the table, whilst Oxford Utd can climb out of the relegation zone with a win.

 

Team News

Preston have no fresh injury concerns to report after their 2-0 home defeat to Millwall, as Daniel Iversen remains sidelined due to a groin injury.

Oxford Utd will have Jamie Donley (quad), Brodie Spencer (ankle) both available after Donley had to be substituted in their 2-1 home win against West Brom, whilst Spencer sat that match out.

Jamie McDonnell, Tyler Goodrham (both ankle) and Brian de Keersmaecker (shoulder) remain absent.

 

When is Kick-Off?

Preston host Oxford Utd at Deepdale  on Friday 6 March at 8pm GMT, live on Sky Sports in the UK.

 

Stat Attack

• Preston have lost one of their last five meetings against Oxford Utd (W3, D1, L1).
• Oxford Utd are unbeaten in four of their last five visits to Preston (W2, D2, L1).
• Preston have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last seven league matches at home to Oxford Utd.
• No Preston player has been involved in more league goals this season than Lewis Dobbin, who has managed seven goals and five assists across 28 appearances.
• Four of Will Lankshear’s seven league goals for Oxford Utd this season have been scored away from home.

 

Prediction

Currently eight points adrift of the last play-off spot, Preston know that they need to put together a stronger performance if they’re to end their run of one win in nine league games after they were outclassed against Millwall pretty comfortably.

Oxford Utd meanwhile know that this is their chance to climb out of the relegation zone and put the pressure on their relegation rivals, especially after a clinical first half in their win against West Brom but they have failed to claim consecutive league wins since late January 2025.

The first goal therefore does feel like it will be key and at this point, I can’t help but feel that Oxford Utd will have the edge as they have the stronger motivation to get a win here than Preston.

Prediction: Preston 1-2 Oxford Utd

Result: Preston 1-3 Oxford Utd