Rivalry renewed as Oxford clash with Swindon

Oxford United welcome Swindon Town to the Kassam Stadium this Saturday for what promises to be an intriguing affair. Both sides currently find themselves languishing towards the lower reaches of League One in 18^th and 19^th position respectively, separated by a solitary point.

The visitors are still finding their feet following promotion, whilst their counterparts, The U’s, are having trouble replicating the form that propelled them to a Play-Off Final appearance last season. That particular contest took place a mere four months ago as Karl Robinson’s side were narrowly denied a spot in the Championship as Wycombe put them to the sword via a late penalty. However, for Oxford supporters, that occasion must seem a world away.

With the ongoing pandemic and subsequent delay to this season’s commencement, fixtures continue to arrive thick and fast with both sides having featured in midweek action. Oxford claimed a very credible draw at Fratton Park through Alex Rodriguez’s 69^th minute penalty, coupled with a defensive resolve, securing a 1-1 stalemate away to a Pompey outfit who have been surging up the table of late. On the other hand, Swindon were on the receiving end of a 1-0 reverse at home to high-flying Lincoln City, meaning it’s now just one win in five outings for the Wiltshire club.

Oxford manager Karl Robinson has drastically tailored his starting line-up in the last two clashes, but to positive effect, a return of four points on the road at Wigan and Portsmouth have been gained. However, encouraging news ahead of this derby encounter, with no fresh injury concerns for the former MK Dons man.

The trifecta of Matty Taylor, Liam Kelly and Marcus McGuane could all be in contention to feature from the start, having been afforded recovery time at Fratton Park, as The U’s seek to mount a revival. Longer term absentees, Sam Winnall and Malachi Napa, remain sidelined.

Following the departure of Richie Wellens to Salford City, John Sheridan has been appointed as the new Swindon boss. Town are the fourth side he has overseen this calendar year with previous stints at Chesterfield, Waterford and Wigan Athletic, cut short due to indifferent results.

Sheridan will be hoping for a longer stay in Wiltshire and was in positive spirits ahead of his first taste of the Oxford/Swindon rivalry, remarking:

“I’ve seen good things so far. We look up for the fight, and once we get a few people back available fighting for a place, it makes my decision a lot harder.”

A shining light for Swindon has been attacker Tyler Smith, the 21 year old, on loan from Premier League Sheffield United, has tallied five goals, setting the bar in the scoring department. He undoubtedly benefits from the vast experience of veteran marksman, Brett Pitman, who himself, has chipped in with three strikes of his own.

Remaining at the top end of the pitch, but focusing on the opposition, Matty Taylor is Oxford’s go to man for converting chances. Formerly of both Bristol sides, Rovers and City, the forward leads the way for his team, claiming four goals thus far.

This will be the 61^st meeting between the sides, but historically, the first to be played out behind closed doors. With both sides operating at different levels in recent seasons, this is the first pairing since February 2017.

Swindon will hope to exact revenge on their bitter rivals, suffering defeat in seven of the last eight matches between the sides. In order to do so, a drastically improved defensive resiliency is key as Town have shipped a staggering 14 goals in their opening five away league fixtures.