Coventry City and Oxford United square off on Friday evening having endured contrasting opening weekends in the new Championship campaign.
At a time when the Sky Blues were losing out on their travels, last season's League One playoff winners were marking their return to the second tier with a standout victory.
Match preview
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Despite the vast amount of changes ahead of the new campaign, Mark Robins would have had high hopes for his Coventry side getting off to a winning start at Stoke City.
Instead, a late goal from Lewis Baker condemned the Midlands outfit to a 1-0 defeat at the bet365 Stadium, leaving them to lick their wounds ahead of EFL Cup action.
For the second time in three seasons, Coventry were paired with fellow Championship side Bristol City, this time coming out on top against the Robins.
A second-half effort from Ellis Simms proved to be the difference at Ashton Gate, Robins also able to give game time to plenty of players who did not start at Stoke.
Robins will now want to get back to winning ways at the CBS Arena. Coventry ended the 2023-24 campaign having failed to prevail in their final three home encounters.
Meanwhile, Oxford have enjoyed the perfect start to the new season, perhaps exceeding Des Buckingham's expectations after the incomings and outgoings during the transfer window.
While Oxford may have fancied their chances against Norwich City, posting a 2-0 victory against the Canaries was a real statement of intent as they bid to do more than merely make up the numbers in the second tier.
The EFL Cup could be viewed as somewhat of a distraction from more important business, yet a 2-0 success over Peterborough United has kept momentum high heading into this contest.
Oxford came through their final five away fixtures of 2023-24 without suffering a defeat, something which Buckingham will feel can hold them in good stead here as they bid to pull off a surprise.
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Team News
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Although Robins will stick with much of the same side that started against Stoke, a selection of players may feel that they are in contention.
Kasey Palmer and Haji Wright are both options in attacking areas, with Tatsuhiro Sakamoto at risk of losing his place on the flank.
Midfielder Ben Sheaf remains on the sidelines with the ankle injury that he sustained during pre-season.
Matt Phillips, who got on the scoresheet, and Malcolm Ebiowei each got 45 minutes under their belt in the EFL Cup on Tuesday.
Nevertheless, barring any fitness issues, Buckingham is likely to select the same Oxford XI for this contest.
Coventry City possible starting lineup:
Dovin; Van Ewijk, Thomas, Binks, Bidwell; Rudoni, Allen, Torp; Wright, Simms, Mason-Clark
Oxford United possible starting lineup:
Cumming; Long, Moore, Brown, Bennett; Vaulks; Goodrham, Rodrigues, Brannagan, Placheta; Harris
We say: Coventry City 2-1 Oxford United
Confidence is certainly on a high at Oxford and we expect the division newcomers to give another solid account of themselves here. Nevertheless, we are backing Coventry to edge what should be a competitive fixture, potentially by the odd goal in three.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
![Jack Robinson of Sheffield United during the Sky Bet Championship match Preston North End vs Sheffield United at Deepdale, Preston, United Kingdom, August 9, 2024 [on August 11, 2024]](https://sm.imgix.net/11/29/1x1.gif?w=1&h=1 "Jack Robinson of Sheffield United during the Sky Bet Championship match Preston North End vs Sheffield United at Deepdale, Preston, United Kingdom, August 9, 2024 [on August 11, 2024]")
