Derby v Oxford United: play-off chase meets survival fight | OneFootball

Derby County host Oxford United in the Championship at Pride Park Stadium on Saturday, 18 April 2026, with the hosts eyeing the top six and the visitors trying to climb out of the relegation places.

Derby County have won two straight home league games, beating Birmingham and Stoke, but slipped at Southampton last time out. Oxford United arrive on a three-game unbeaten run after draws with Hull and Portsmouth and a 2-0 home win over Watford.

The Rams are without Rhian Brewster and fellow forward Patrick Agyemang, while Callum Elder, Derry Murkin, Jacob Zetterström and Bobby Clark are also sidelined. Oxford United list Greg Leigh, Brian De Keersmaecker, Tyler Goodhram, Nik Prelec and Jack Currie as injured.

Derby's route could be wide and aerial. They have scored 17 headed goals and deliver plenty of crosses with 24.33% accuracy from open play. Carlton Morris leads their league tally with 12 goals, and Joe Ward has supplied seven assists. Oxford United also send in volume from the flanks, though with lower cross accuracy at 17.67%, and have scored 41 while conceding 54 this season, so they may have to absorb pressure and counter.

A home win would move Derby to 66 points and could tighten the race for the play-offs. Victory would take Oxford United to 47 points and may lift them towards safety from 22nd.