Oxford United play host to Millwall on Saturday afternoon looking for the win that would move the club clear of the Championship relegation zone.
Meanwhile, the Lions make the trip to the Kassam Stadium sitting in ninth position in the table on the back of a prolonged unbeaten streak in the second tier.
Match preview
© Imago
Sitting in 18th place in the table, Oxford can be satisfied with their first 17 games on their return to second-tier football after more than two decades away.
However, momentum can sometimes be everything in the EFL, and Oxford have none having lost five of their most recent six fixtures, overcoming Hull City by a 1-0 scoreline in the other.
Since then, 10 goals have been conceded in defeats to Watford, Middlesbrough and Sheffield United, Des Buckingham's side the underdogs in each yet coming away frustrated on each occasion.
Shipping four goals across a 12-minute period either side of half time versus Middlesbrough has the potential to derail Oxford in the long term, a further three goals being conceded in the first hour at Sheffield United in midweek.
Oxford also head into this contest having lost two of their most recent three games at the Kassam Stadium. They had put together a six-game undefeated streak before that run.
© Imago
Meanwhile, Millwall had an unforeseen break from action earlier this week courtesy of a power failure at Portsmouth's Fratton Park.
Neil Harris would have been frustrated that the Lions were unable to build on an unbeaten run that has now reached eight matches.
Although the last two matches have ended in 1-1 draws, Millwall survived a contentious penalty call at Stoke City before netting a last-gasp leveller to draw with high-flying Sunderland.
Sitting just five points adrift of fifth place with a game in hand, Harris is aware of the opportunity that his team have to keep pace with the teams chasing promotion through the playoffs.
Team News
© Imago
Elliott Moore is in line to return to the Oxford defence having served a one-match ban for five yellow cards.
Josh McEachran, Matt Phillips and Mark Harris are also pushing for a return to the starting lineup.
Joe Bennett and Siriki Dembele remain among the injured list for this fixture.
As for Millwall, Femi Azeez will hope for a return in a creative area having scored the late equaliser versus Sunderland.
Duncan Watmore could miss out, as may Josh Coburn if Macaulay Langstaff is preferred down the centre of the attack.
Oxford United possible starting lineup:
Cumming; Avest, Long, Moore, Leigh; Goodrham, Vaulks, Brannagan, Placheta; Rodrigues; Harris
Millwall possible starting lineup:
Jensen; Leonard, Hutchinson, Tanganga, Bryan; Saville, De Norre; Esse, Honeyman, Azeez; Langstaff
We say: Oxford United 1-2 Millwall
With Oxford's unbeaten run at the Kassam Stadium having now come to an end, it remains to be seen how they will react. With Millwall having not played in midweek, we feel that their extra freshness could prove key in sealing a hard-earned win.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Darren Plant
