Middlesbrough v Oxford United: promotion push meets survival fight | OneFootball

Middlesbrough host Oxford United in the Championship at the Riverside Stadium on Saturday, 21 February 2026, with the hosts chasing automatic promotion and the visitors battling to escape the relegation zone.

The reverse fixture in November finished 1-1. Middlesbrough start the weekend second on 61 points, Oxford United are 23rd with 28.

Boro have won four of their last five league games, losing only at Coventry. Oxford United have taken one point from their last five in the Championship, including a 3-0 home defeat by Norwich and a 3-1 loss at Sheffield United.

Boro are without defenders Darragh Lenihan, George Edmundson, Alfie Jones and Alex Bangura, plus midfielder Leo Castledine. Oxford United list defenders Michał Helik, Greg Leigh and Hidde ter Avest among those sidelined, with Brian De Keersmaecker, Tyler Goodrham and Nik Prelec also out.

Boro average 58% possession and 84.34% passing accuracy this season, scoring 50 and conceding 33, so they could look to control the ball and supply Morgan Whittaker, who has 11 league goals and five assists. Oxford United have scored 28 and conceded 44 with 41% possession, so may aim to keep their shape and counter.

A win would take Boro to 64 points and could move them top. Victory for Oxford United would lift them to 31 points and may cut the gap to safety, keeping their survival bid alive.