Oxford vs Burnley predictions: Tight clash likely at the Kassam

Ian Wilkerson

Spotlight

Scott Parker's Burnley are among the early frontrunners in the Championship promotion race.

- Under 2.5 goals has been a winning bet in four of Burnley’s last five matches
- There have been fewer than three goals in six of Oxford’s last seven home games
- Recommended bet: Under 2.5 goals

Burnley have looked strong since Scott Parker took the Turf Moor reins following their relegation back to the Championship, but they have been made to fight hard for points in recent weeks.

The Clarets may find they do not have everything their own way at the Kassam Stadium, where promoted Oxford United have won their first three games since returning to the second tier.

The latest Oxford vs Burnley odds are available on LiveScore Bet

Team news

Oxford midfielder Josh McEachran is doubtful with the groin injury he picked up in last week’s defeat at Bristol City, while Przemyslaw Placheta, Joe Bennett, Matt Phillips, Cam Brannagan and Will Goodwin are ruled out for Des Buckingham’s side.

Bashir Humphreys is available for the Clarets after being suspended for last week’s win at home to Portsmouth.

The stats

Under 2.5 goals has been a winning bet in four of Burnley’s last five matches.

Both teams have scored in four of Oxford’s six Championship games this season, while the U’s have won all four of their home matches this term.

There have been fewer than three goals in six of Oxford’s last seven home games and they have not conceded more than once in their last 10 home outings.

The Clarets have won four of their six Championship games so far this season.

The latest Oxford vs Burnley odds are available on LiveScore Bet

Prediction

It seemed as if Burnley would be the team to beat in the Championship this season after they opened their campaign with an impressive 4-1 win at another relegated team in Luton and then breezed past Cardiff 5-0 in their first match at Turf Moor.

However, while they are still looking strong, their progress has not been quite so serene and having to battle all the way to gain a 2-1 win over Portsmouth last time out, Saturday’s trip to Oxford could prove to be a tricky one.

Their opponents, who are playing their first season in the second tier since 1999 and who would probably be delighted to stay there beyond a solitary season, have made an encouraging start.

While they have predictably found some away games tough, they have won all three of their matches at the Kassam Stadium – against Norwich, Preston and Stoke – conceding just once across those games.

So, this could be a tight game with four of Burnley’s five matches since that romp against the Bluebirds failing to produce more than two goals and it could pay not to expect a great deal of goalmouth action when these two meet on Saturday.

Back Under 2.5 goals at 4/5 with LiveScore Bet