Preview: Sunderland vs. Oxford United – prediction, team news, lineups
Sunderland to host Oxford in Sky Bet League One action
Sunderland will look to consolidate their position in the League One playoffs when they play host to Oxford United at the Stadium of Light on Saturday. The Black Cats currently occupy 5th place in the standings, one point behind 4th-place Portsmouth, while Oxford are just outside the top six in 8th.
Sunderland come into the game on the back of a 1-0 defeat to Cambridge United last weekend, while Oxford will be looking to bounce back from a 2-0 loss to Exeter City.
Team news
Sunderland will be without the suspended duo of Corry Evans and Jay Matete for the visit of Oxford. Trai Hume is also a doubt with a knock, meaning Luke O'Nien could start at right-back.
Oxford also have a number of injury concerns, with Marcus Browne, Cameron Brannagan and Sean Clare all ruled out. New signing Matty Taylor is expected to make his debut for the U's.
Predicted lineups
Sunderland: Patterson; O'Nien, Ballard, Batth, Alese; Neil, Michut, Embleton; Amad, Stewart, Roberts.
Oxford: Eastwood; Anderson, Thorniley, Moore, Taylor; Bate, Sykes, Gorrin, Bodin; Taylor, Hopkins.
Prediction
Sunderland have a good record against Oxford, winning three and drawing one of their last four meetings. The Black Cats are also in better form than the U's, so we predict a narrow home win.
