Oxford United face a tough start to the season as they travel to promotion favourites, Sunderland. The U’s have had a disappointing summer, but a late flurry of transfer activity seems to have given the fans some optimism as they head into the new season.
So how do we think they’ll do this weekend as the U’s travel north to the Stadium of Light?
Preview: Oxford United at Sunderland
Oxford Face Tough Opening Day Opposition Away at Sunderland
Karl Robinson took his side to Barnsley on the opening day of last season and lost 4-0 to a side that achieved automatic promotion to the Championship.
Last week, you would have been forgiven for expecting a similar result on Saturday given the lack of new faces through the door. Alex Gorrin, Tariqe Fosu and Chris Cadden have all joined the club, but the U’s also lack depth following the return to their parent clubs of six first-team loanees.
Oxford lost Curtis Nelson at the start of the summer as the defender joined Cardiff City on a free transfer, whilst earlier this week, Gavin Whyte also joined the Bluebirds, leaving Robinson’s squad looking depleted.
Sunderland have a strong squad and, although they missed out on promotion last season, The Black Cats will be looking to go one step further this time around.
Goalkeeper Lee Burge and defender Jordan Willis arrived from Coventry City after their contracts expired. Defender Conor McLaughlin signed after his contract expired at Millwall, while striker Marc McNulty arrived on a season-long loan recently from Reading and Walsall’s captain last season, George Dobson, signed permanently for an undisclosed fee.
Despite losing Lee Cattermole, Sunderland still boast a wealth of quality. Aiden McGeady could be the key to unlocking some stubborn League One defences, while Will Grigg will be hoping to find the form that prompted The Black Cats to sign him from Wigan Athletic. Former Oxford favourite Chris Maguire is a game-changer, as is John McLaughlin between the sticks.
What a Difference a Day Makes
This week, however, the U’s will feel they could get something out of this game. Just a couple of hours after Whyte’s departure, Oxford announced the signing of Liverpool youngster Ben Woodburn on a season-long loan. Then the following day, the club announced the signing of Anthony Forde following his release from Rotherham.
The U’s earned themselves a point as they drew 1-1 at Sunderland last year, and the majority of Oxford fans would take the same result on Saturday.
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