Preview: Peterborough United vs. Oxford United - prediction, team news, lineups

Peterborough United will be aiming to continue their strong run of form in League One when they welcome Oxford United to London Road on Saturday afternoon.

The home side are currently fifth in the table, boasting 35 points from their opening 19 matches, while Oxford are third, having picked up 36 points from their first 18 games of the season.

Match preview

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Peterborough maintained their fine run of results with a 3-0 victory over Arsenal Under-21s in the second round of the English Football League Trophy on Tuesday, which followed a 2-1 win over Doncaster Rovers in the FA Cup.

The last time Darren Ferguson's side played a league match was the 2-2 draw against Stevenage on November 28, leaving them in fifth place with 10 wins, five draws, four defeats and 35 points after 19 matches.

Peterborough have actually been victorious in seven of their last 13 league matches, while they have lost just once - away to Wigan Athletic in November - since the start of September.

After being demoted from the Championship in 2021–22, the Posh went on to finish sixth in League One last season, losing a thrilling playoff semifinal match to Sheffield Wednesday, who went on to defeat Barnsley in the final at the end of May.

Peterborough and Oxford settled for a goalless draw when the two sides last locked horns at London Road in April, but the reverse fixture ended in a 2-1 win for the Posh.

Oxford were also in EFL Trophy action on Tuesday, recording a 1-0 victory over Forest Green, which secured their spot in the next round of the competition.

Des Buckingham's side also won 2-0 against Grimsby in the FA Cup on December 2, though they are winless in their last two in League One, including a goalless draw with Bolton Wanderers last time out.

Oxford have won 11, drawn three and lost four of their 18 league matches this season to collect 36 points, which has left them in third place in the third tier of English football.

The U's have been great on the road this season, winning six and losing three of nine away matches in the league; however, they were beaten by Cheltenham Town on their last trip.

Team News

Peterborough boss Ferguson could name the same XI that took to the field for the first whistle against Doncaster in the FA Cup on December 2.

As expected, a number of squad players and youngsters were involved against Arsenal in the EFL Trophy earlier this week, but the big-hitters will be back for this contest.

Kwame Poku and Ephron Mason-Clark have both scored seven times in the league during the 2023-24 campaign, and the pair will again feature in attacking areas for the hosts this weekend.

The visitors will be without top scorer Greg Leigh, who is currently sidelined with a calf injury.

Mark Harris is expected to lead the line once more, while Ruben Rodrigues should start in the supporting role.

Peterborough United possible starting lineup:

Bilokapic; Kioso, Knight, Edwards, Burrows; Kyprianou, Collins; Poku, Randall, Mason-Clarke; Jones

Oxford United possible starting lineup:

Beadle; Stevens, Moore, Thorniley, Brown; McGuane, Brannagan; Mills, Rodrigues, Murphy; Harris

We say: Peterborough United 1-1 Oxford United

Peterborough have not lost to Oxford in their last six competitive meetings, but the visitors are different this season. The home side have been great in front of their fans, while Oxford have been solid on the road as well. We predict a close match with the score level at the end.

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