Oxford United v Birmingham: survival fight meets mid-table push | OneFootball

Oxford United host Birmingham City in the Championship at the Kassam Stadium on Saturday, 31 January 2026, with the hosts chasing vital survival points and the visitors looking to consolidate and climb.

Birmingham City won the reverse fixture 1-0 in August. Oxford United arrive 23rd, while the visitors sit 13th, setting up a meeting of different objectives.

Oxford United have steadied recently, drawing two goalless home games before a 2-1 win at Leicester City on 24 January. Birmingham are unbeaten in four league matches, beating Coventry City and winning at Sheffield Wednesday, alongside draws at Swansea City and against Stoke City.

The hosts list Michał Helik, Hidde ter Avest, Tyler Goodhram, Nik Prelec and Jamie Donley as injured. For the visitors, Jack Robinson, Demarai Gray, Ethan Laird, Lee Buchanan and Alexander William Cochrane are sidelined.

Birmingham average 53% possession with 79.75% pass accuracy and have delivered 472 open-play crosses, producing 10 headed goals. That wide supply could test Oxford United's defence. The hosts' 42% average possession points to a more direct approach. Brian De Keersmaecker has supplied five assists, while Jay Stansfield leads Birmingham with eight league goals and five assists.

A home win could boost Oxford United's bid to climb out of the relegation places. Birmingham, meanwhile, could strengthen their top-half push and edge closer to the play-off conversation.