Coventry City vs Oxford United | Match Preview

Coventry Building Society Arena
Saturday 7 February, 3:00pm

Following a couple of recent setbacks, the Yellows will be looking to recapture the form they showed in Matt Bloomfield’s first few games in charge back in January. A trip to Coventry offers them the chance to prove they are ready to take the fight to the very best in the Championship.

Every Minute Matters

Clubs across the Sky Bet Championship, Sky Bet League One and Sky Bet League Two are coming together , alongside the EFL, this February to support Every Minute Matters – the life - saving partnership between Sky Bet and the British Heart Foundation (BHF) that encourages fans to learn CPR.

For more information, click HERE.

Image

Form Guide - Snapshot

• Oxford United: W1 D2 L2 from the previous five games. Despite taking the lead in Sheffield on Tuesday, the U’s were ultimately unable to hold on for a positive result. They’ll be determined to put that right this weekend, and results this season suggest that United are more than capable of producing a strong performance against sides at the upper end of the Championship.
• Coventry City: W2 D0 L3 in their last five. Although Frank Lampard’s side sit top of the Championship table heading into the weekend, a turbulent run of form in recent weeks has seen the once-comfortable 12-point cushion they held over the play-off places in December shrink to just four points.

The Rivalry - A Quick Head-to-Head Check

The two sides have met 18 times since their first encounter in 1982, with the U’s recording five wins and two draws across those meetings.

United have enjoyed some recent success against the Sky Blues, including a 2–2 draw earlier this season at the Kassam Stadium, where a superb Cam Brannagan free-kick earned a share of the points. 

United last defeated Coventry in 2019, grinding out a hard-fought 1–0 victory at the Ricoh Arena when both clubs were competing in League One. A year earlier, the U’s also came out on top in the League Cup second round, securing a 2–0 win courtesy of goals from Gavin Whyte and Marcus Browne.

The Key Battles: Where This Game Could Be Won And Lost

• Coventry's Prolific Attack: The numbers speak for themselves, the Sky Blues are the leading scorers in the division and three of the team's attacking players have more goals between them then the whole of United's squad this season. If the U's are to get a result this weekend, the defensive unit are going to have to be at their very best.
• United's Dynamic Midfield: With Jamie McDonnell likely to be available again, and the likes of Yunus Konak, Myles Peart-Harris and Aidomo Emakhu adding energy and dynamism in midfield, United now have several strong options in the centre of the pitch. Matt Bloomfield will be hopeful that winning the midfield battle can provide the platform for sustained attacking play.

Team News From Both Camps

Oxford United’s injury list has grown considerably since the turn of the year, with Jack Currie, Brian De Keersmaecker and Jamie McDonnell joining Tyler Goodrham, Nik Prelec, Jamie Donley and Hidde ter Avest on the sidelines. There is, however, optimism that Currie and January signing McDonnell will return to action this weekend.

Christ Makosso caught the eye on his debut in Sheffield on Tuesday night and will be pushing to retain his place in the starting XI, while Jin Woo Jeon, Yunus Konak and Stan Mills will also be hoping to earn starts after being named on the bench against the Blades.

Coventry's injury list is steadily shortening as the business end of the campaign looms, although goalkeeper Oliver Dovin remains out because of a knee problem.

The Sky Blues are well-stocked in forward areas, and could hand a debut to Deadline Day signing Frank Onyeka, who has joined on-loan from Premier League side Brentford.

Coventry City: A Bluemin' Good Season So Far!

1) The Sky Blues have been perched at the top of the Sky Bet Championship table for the vast majority of the season. They have not been displaced from that number one spot since Saturday 4 October 2025, demonstrating how consistent they were in the run up to the New Year.

2) Under Frank Lampard, Coventry City have developed a proactive, possession-focused style, seeking to dominate matches through patient build-up play and crisp ball circulation in midfield. That control is paired with attacking width, sharp movement in the final third and an aggressive press designed to win the ball back high up the pitch. The approach is reflected in the numbers, with the Sky Blues averaging 55% possession per game and recording more touches in the opposition box than any other side in the division (904).

3) Coventry boast a league-high 61 goals this season, rarely struggling to find the back of the net. Impressively, they are the only side to have three different players reach double figures in league goals, highlighting the threat they pose from multiple attacking outlets.

MPH: Off The Mark

Myles Peart-Harris has been the standout among United’s January signings, delivering a series of consistently impressive performances. His physical presence, ability to drive forward with the ball, and talent for involving teammates through intelligent passing and accurate crossing have all made him a key figure in midfield. The only element missing from his game until recently was a goal.

That changed on Tuesday night against Sheffield United, when Peart-Harris netted his first goal in Oxford United colours, a milestone that will no doubt boost his confidence. With that breakthrough, it is likely that his contributions will continue to grow as the season progresses. If the U's are to secure a positive result this weekend, there is a good chance that Peart-Harris will be at the heart of it.

By the Numbers — Fast Facts

• Kick-off: Saturday 7 February,3:00pm at the Coventry Building Society Arena.
• Recent form (last five): Oxford United W1 D2 L2; Coventry City: W2 D0 L3.
• Goals: Oxford United have scored 28 goals this season, Coventry City have scored 61.
• Fun Fact:
• Historic classics: Oxford United 2-2 Coventry City (30 August 2025); Oxford United 3-3 Coventry City (31 August 2019); Oxford United 2-0 Coventry City (14 August 2018); Oxford United 4-1 Coventry City (19 November 2016)
• Played for both teams (Years at Oxford United): Dan Agyei (2019-2022); Liam Davis (2011-2013); Ray Graydon (1978-1981); Chris Maguire (2016-2017); Bobby McDonald (1983-1987); Luke McNally (2021-2022); Sam Ricketts (2000-2003); Josh Ruffels (2013-2021); Andrew Whing (2011-2015).
• Top Goal scorers this season: Will Lankshear (6 goals); Brandon Thomas-Astante, Ellis Simms, Haji Wright (10 goals).

Voices From The Camp:

Watch the Press Conference of Matt Bloomfield and Ruben Roosken Below:

RETAIL

With January behind us and February in full swing, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner! If you’re hunting for the perfect gift for that special someone, we’ve got you covered. From thoughtful keepsakes to show-stopping treats, there’s something to make them feel special. Click HERE to explore our Valentine’s collection and find the perfect way to surprise your loved one!

Image

COMING UP

Image

Image

Image

There’s plenty of action for the Men's, Women’s and Under-18 sides across league and cup competitions this February.

The Under-18s welcome Manchester United to the Kassam Stadium for an exciting FA Youth Cup clash, while Oxford United Women  face Charlton Athletic as they aim to secure a spot in the quarter-finals of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup for the first time.

Tickets for these matches are available:

• By clicking HERE
• By calling 01865 337 533
• By visiting the Ticket Office in person

MATCHDAY GUIDES

MATCHDAY STREAMING

Hear from January Signing Aidomo Emakhu ahead of his first game as an Oxford United player!