Oxford United vs Sheffield United – Preview | OneFootball

Sheffield United head south to face Oxford United on Saturday afternoon, and they’ll be hoping to maintain top spot in the Championship when the weekend’s all said and done.

The Blades come into this fixture riding a five-match unbeaten streak, most recently securing a dominant victory over play-off hopefuls Coventry City. After Leeds United dropped points late on against Swansea City last weekend, Chris Wilder’s men will be hoping for another slip-up from either Leeds or Burnley – they’re both involved in early kick-offs on Saturday.

Yet more dropped points from Leeds, or Burnley, would be music to United’s ears, as they’d have the opportunity to capitalise at the Kassam Stadium, a ground which they haven’t visited since the back end of the 2016/17 League One title-winning campaign, winning 3-2 that day.

Oxford United went on an incredible unbeaten streak in the Championship when Gary Rowett first took charge, lasting nine games. Since then, they’ve registered just one win in the last nine games, and now they are threatened with relegation once more. Their most recent game saw them take the lead at Middlesbrough before being on the receiving end of a second-half comeback from the home side, leaving them two points above the drop zone.

Team News

Oxford’s club captain Elliott Moore is a doubt for this clash having been out with a hamstring injury for a number of weeks. Meanwhile, Joe Bennett and Greg Leigh were expected to be back after the international break, though they missed last weekend’s trip to Boro. Former Blade Matt Phillips suffered an apparent groin injury last time out, leaving his availability in serious doubt.

On a positive note for the home side, Cameron Brannagan and Idris El Mizouni are expected to return this weekend.

The Blades have been given a huge boost to their midfield as Vinicius Souza has been in full training all week. Wilder admitted to the media that he was close to participating last Friday, but the staff chose to be extra cautious due to the importance of the Brazilian heading into the last stretch of games. Jamie Shackleton is also available.

In addition, Wilder has stated Tom Davies will be ready for the Plymouth fixture, and Harry Clarke could feature in midweek against Millwall at home.

Oxford United’s Impact Player For This Game

OXFORD, ENGLAND – MARCH 15: Cameron Brannagan of Oxford United looks on during the Sky Bet Championship match between Oxford United FC and Watford FC at Kassam Stadium on March 15, 2025 in Oxford, England. (Photo by Cameron Howard/Getty Images)

If Cameron Brannagan, the experienced midfielder, is back for the home team this weekend, then he will instantly improve Oxford’s chances of getting anything from this game.

The 28-year-old is a huge reason the U’s are even in the Championship this season, scoring 13 goals and providing ten assists in last season’s promotion-winning campaign. This term, he has bagged two goals and made four assists in just 28 games.

This season marks the first time the midfielder has played in the Championship, and perhaps Oxford would be slightly higher up if Brannagan remained 100% fit across the campaign up to this point.

The Manchester-born midfielder averages over four passes into the final third when he plays, ranking him highly among the rest of the Championship midfielders. He also ranks in the 84th percentile for the assists per 90 metric. While he ranks averagely for shot-creating actions, Brannagan’s goal-creating actions sees him rank in the 85th percentile. Essentially meaning: while he doesn’t frequently perform shot-creating actions, when he does, they often result in Oxford scoring goals.

Sheffield United’s Impact Player For This Game

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND – MARCH 28: Rhian Brewster of Sheffield United scores his team’s third goal during the Sky Bet Championship match between Sheffield United FC and Coventry City FC at Bramall Lane on March 28, 2025 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

I’m sure every single Blade was pleased to see Rhian Brewster scoring in back-to-back games, netting the third against Coventry City. Not only has he scored in back-to-back matches, he’s also registered a key pass in each of the last couple of games.

But why is it clicking all of a sudden? Brewster has finally had a clean bill of health throughout a campaign, so he’s been in a rhythm and match sharp all season.

Perhaps the 24-year-old has found his perfect position playing in the number ten role. Because of his technical skills and his speed, he is able to impact the game between the lines of the opposition defence and the midfield, and he’s capable of sprinting in behind beyond the striker. Personally, I always viewed Brewster as a sharpshooting attacking midfielder, and in recent weeks we have seen him thrive in this role.

It’s been a breath of fresh to see him and Tyrese Campbell, two very similar players, combining up front, and it would not be shocking to see Brewster add to his four goals and three assists he’s already got this term.

My Prediction

Sheffield United are in prime position to gain automatic promotion, currently two points above Leeds United and Burnley, who both kick-off early in the afternoon on Saturday, knowing the Blades could capitalise on any dropped points.

Oxford United have been the second-worst team in the league in terms of creativity this season. That being said, they actually hold the same conversion rate as United’s promotion rivals Burnley (sixth-best), showing they aren’t entirely useless in front of goal.

Michael Cooper certainly won’t be called upon too often, but that won’t phase him as Cooper’s been in this situation for most of the season, and when put into action he’s been almost immaculate, having the second-best save percentage in the league.

Oxford are fighting to keep their heads above the water, and we’ve seen relegation-threatened teams so many times throughout the years, at this crucial time of the season, beat those that are chasing promotion. With just one win in their last nine matches however, it’s tough to see the home team getting anything against such a stout Blades defence.

Sheffield United will win this by a couple of goals and keep a clean sheet to maintain their stay at the top of the table.

All stats taken from FBref and Opta.