2026-27 FA Cup: First Round – Oxford City vs Leicester

Oxford City kick off the first round of the 2026-27 FA Cup with a blockbuster showdown against Leicester City. 

Victory would see Oxford City reach the second round for the fourth time in their history, whilst Leicester haven’t exited at this stage of the competition since the 1923-24 edition.

 

Team News

Oxford City have no fresh injury concerns to report following their 3-1 defeat at home to South Shields on Halloween in the National League North.

Winger, Ewan Clark however is still sidelined with a long-term unspecified injury.

Leicester have no fresh injury concerns to report after their 2-2 draw at home to Stevenage in League One, although manager – Russell Martin is planning to rotate his squad.

Jayden Joseph remains sidelined with an unspecified injury.

 

When is Kick-Off?

Oxford City host Leicester at RAW Charging Stadium on Friday 6 November at 7:45pm GMT, live on TNT Sports 1 and HBO Max in the UK.

 

Stat Attack

• This is Oxford City’s first-ever meeting against Leicester in all competitions.
• Leicester are making their first competitive visit to Oxford City.
• Oxford City kept two clean sheets in their three Qualifying Round matches (W3) as they recorded 2-0 and 1-0 wins away at Dorchester and Torquay but won 6-1 at home v Enfield in Third Qualifying Round.
• Leicester have won three of their last six FA Cup away ties (W3, L3).

 

Prediction

Sat second in National League North after a costly defeat handed top spot to South Shields, Oxford City must reset and just enjoy this tie as underdogs because they’ve got nothing to lose as they clearly do have the goals in them to cause a shock if keep it tight defensively.

Leicester meanwhile have to take this competition seriously because this is a chance to keep building some momentum, having lost just one of their last five games and the FA Cup is more important than their upcoming Jersey Mike’s Trophy group decider against Walsall on Tuesday.

Although Martin will rotate his squad, I do think that Leicester will be too strong if they can adapt to the artificial pitch but a clean sheet is unlikely such is their defensive vulnerability.

Prediction: Oxford City 1-3 Leicester