“Unfairly judged”: Oxford United vs Bristol City predictions

The72’s writers have shared their predictions ahead of Oxford United’s Championship meeting with Bristol City this weekend.

Oxford United welcome Bristol City to the Kassam Stadium on Saturday as they look to halt a worrying run of form. The U’s head into the contest having picked up just one win from their last five league outings, leaving them rooted in 23rd place and three points adrift of safety. A relegation battle now appears inevitable for the remainder of the campaign.

Matt Bloomfield was recently appointed head coach following Gary Rowett’s dismissal. The 41-year-old oversaw his new side for the first time last weekend, watching from the stands as Oxford edged past MK Dons on penalties in the FA Cup.

Bloomfield faces a significant task in turning around Oxford’s fortunes, particularly at home. United have struggled badly at the Kassam Stadium this season, managing only three league wins on their own patch.

Bristol City, meanwhile, arrive in good spirits after winning three of their last five Championship matches. The Robins currently sit 10th in the table and are very much in the play-off hunt, trailing the top six by just two points.

Gerhard Struber’s side also impressed in the FA Cup last weekend, hammering Watford 5-1. Emil Riis was the standout performer, netting a hat-trick to secure a fourth-round trip to Port Vale next month.

While Bristol City have been inconsistent over the course of the season, their away record has been relatively strong, with just four defeats on the road. However, converting performances into victories will be vital if they are to mount a serious push for a top-six finish between now and May.

Here’s what some of our writers are predicting ahead of Saturday’s clash…

Euan Walsh
“Oxford United will be hoping Bloomfield can breathe new life into their season and spark a revival in the second half of the campaign. There’s still time to build momentum, but they need to start fast.

“Bristol City should have too much quality going forward for the hosts. Their FA Cup win last weekend highlighted just how dangerous they can be when firing.

“I can only see a victory for the visitors here. Struber’s side will be desperate to keep their play-off ambitions alive, while Oxford don’t have much to lean on right now.”

Prediction: Oxford United 1-3 Bristol City

James Ray
“Matt Bloomfield needs a positive start at Oxford United. Some have labelled him unfairly as ‘the man who took Luton Town down’, but performances were improving towards the end of that season when the damage had already been done.

“He must get the U’s competing again. We’ve seen them cause problems for stronger sides at home when the crowd is behind them, and that atmosphere needs to be there against Bristol City.

“The Robins have been up and down all season but have done enough to stay in the play-off conversation. They’ll see this as a good opportunity to pick up another win, though it may not be straightforward.

“I’m backing Bloomfield to earn a respectable draw in his first Championship game in charge.”

Prediction: Oxford United 1-1 Bristol City