City V Oxford - Little preview before the game

Got bored.


The 24th November 2018 will see City take on an in-form Oxford United side who are unbeaten in 7 league games, and are now sitting 7 points adrift of City.

City are still without long term absentee Jake Reeves, Tomorrow comes too soon for the likes of Alex Jones and Kelvin Mellor but David Hopkin can take advantage of a fully fit Jim O'Brien and the latest recruitment of Paul Caddis who looks like a real coup.

Former City player Tony McMahon will miss a return to Valley Parade tomorrow with a cracked rib, but they are boosted with the return of Jamie Mackie who previously picked up five yellow cards and served a one game suspension. Another former Bantam, Simon Eastwood will most likely keep his place in the United line up. The former city shot-stopper will be keen to keep a clean sheet after City sent him back from his loan spell, seeking a more experienced goal-keeper at the time.

United are now finding the back of the net with seven goals in their last three league matches. The Bantams want to keep an eye on former Millwall and Wolves man James Henry and also Gavin Whyte who have now notched five goals each. Whilst Ricky Holmes is trying to rediscover his previous league one form, City will want to keep him quiet also.

City are struggling for goals at the moment, with only scoring thirteen in eighteen league matches this campaign. prolific goalscorer Eion Doyle is finding it difficult under the current circumstances, as City hold out till January to bring reinforcements to provide for the forward. Doyle previously as 35 goals in 56 league one matches. David Ball is now showing his best form with the former Manchester City academy player showing his talent against promotion hopefuls Peterborough United.

Coming to the head to head record with regards to City and United over the last five matches:

Bradford City 3-2 Oxford United 30 Dec, 2017 English League One
Oxford United 2-2 Bradford City 12 Sep, 2017 English League One
Bradford City 1-0 Oxford United 14 Apr, 2017 English League One
Oxford United 2-1 Bradford City 31 Jan, 2017 English EFL Trophy
Oxford United 1-0 Bradford City 15 Oct, 2016 English League One

As you can see, its been a tight contest over the past couple of years. I see no different in that this time neither. With both sides looking to keep it tight at the back firstly, they'll also be seeking to get a vital three points. City could end up 10 points adrift with a defeat tomorrow, whilst Oxford could end up four points clear of the bottom four.

City have offered Season ticket holders and also Oxford United supporters a chance to pay £1 for a family member/friend to come to Valley Parade tomorrow.
Julian Rhodes, who returned to the club earlier this month, said: “We want to get at least 20,000 fans in for what will be a massive game against Oxford."

My prediction is a 2-1 defeat on Saturday, City are struggling for clean sheets and can't hold on when going ahead. However, I do hope it is a turning point and David Hopkin's men can get the job done and seal the victory.

See you Saturday for what I hope, is an entertaining game.