Oxford United return to Championship action following the international break this Saturday (12.30pm kick-off) with the sold-out visit of West Bromwich Albion to the Kassam Stadium for the first time. The Baggies are currently fourth in the table, five points ahead of United in 10th.
Ahead of kick off, we will be holding a minute's silence to honour former U's player, George Baldock.
OXFORD UNITED
The U's go into the game unbeaten in their last three matches following draws at home to Burnley and away at Luton Town and Portsmouth. Oxford remain unbeaten at home, with the game against Burnley the only occasion that they have dropped points at the Kassam Stadium.
United head coach Des Buckingham said, "The international break came at a good time for us to give us a break both physically and mentally for the players and the staff. After the international games we've had everyone back in the building training together to get ready for West Brom.
"We've felt the importance of the three-sided Kassam Stadium, not just this season, and the togetherness that began at the back end of last season, which was so pleasing to see and that's carried on into this season, which has been so pleasing to see and which is going to be so important to us on Saturday, on Tuesday night against Derby, and for every home game.
"Every game we play in this league has shown us different tests, and West Brom will be another strong one. One that we won't shy away from. They're aspiring to a very similar level as Burnley, but we want to play a way that people can be proud of; sometimes that will involve us having a lot of the ball and dictating games, and other times, like against Burnley, we'll play a different way which puts us in a position to come away with, not just a performance, but results."
You can see the full interview HERE.
WEST BROMWICH ALBION
Despite their lofty position, West Brom have failed to win in their last three games, including defeats against Sheffield Wednesday and Middlesbrough and a goalless draw with Millwall.
Manager Carlos Corberán knows his squad are in for a stern test at the Kassam Stadium.
“At home, Oxford haven’t suffered any defeats yet. In their last three games, they have drawn all three.
“In those three games, they’ve played two teams who were in the Premier League last year in Burnley and Luton and also played away at Portsmouth. That shows it’s going to be a really difficult test.
“They were promoted from League One last year and they’ve made a really positive start to the season. They’ll be full of confidence and will be pleased with their home record.”
TICKETS AND MATCH INFORMATION
The game has SOLD OUT, with no tickets available.
There are 2,000 free car parking spaces, but these do fill up quickly so we advise drivers to get to the ground early.
The Res Gate behind the North Stand will be closed before and after the game, so there will be no pedestrian access between the East and West car parks on that route.
Check out our Matchday Supporter Guide to make the most of your matchday in OX4. Click HERE...
PROGRAMME
As usual, we have produced a match programme for the game, featuring George Baldock on the cover. More details can be found HERE.
UNDER 18s
United's youth team are in action away at Newport County. The match preview is HERE.
