Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Championship match.
The Championship newcomer is managing to hold its own in the middle of the table despite the lack of experience among many of their players. Stoke City are positioned even lower than Oxford United but are considered a strong side capable of securing an away win.
Oxford United
At home and away, Oxford United under Des Buckingham are two completely different teams. At home, they have won all three matches (including the League Cup) with a goal difference of +6, while away, they falter in the second half and let draws slip away. This season, no opponent has left their home ground conceding fewer than two goals, and their average xG at home is 1.80, compared to just 0.86 away. Additionally, the bet on both teams to score has come through in three out of Oxford United’s four matches, indicating that defence is not their strong suit.
Stoke City
The players aren't displaying exceptional scoring abilities. They only broke through in a League Cup match by scoring five times against Middlesbrough. In the Championship, they average 0.8 goals per game, making their typical win a 1:0 result, as it was in the last round against Plymouth Argyle. Although they managed 16 (8) shots in that game, their finishing let them down. Notably, they allowed 15 (7) shots on their goal as well. Despite scoring only three goals this Championship season, they have found the net in three out of four matches.
Oxford United — Stoke City Prediction
Before the game against Stoke City, the hosts lost John Bennett. The 34-year-old main left-back is out until early 2025, leaving Greg Leigh as the only potential replacement. This loss significantly weakens Oxford United's defence, increasing the risk of conceding goals. Therefore, it is reasonable to conclude that both teams are likely to score in this match.
