Match Previews

Derby County vs Oxford United | Match Preview

Friday 17 April

Pride Park
Saturday 18 April, 12:30pm

With the season reaching its decisive stages, every point is now crucial. The U’s hit the road this weekend for a tough but exciting test against promotion-chasing Derby County, hoping to secure the points that could see them spring out of the bottom three.

Ticket Information

Ticket collections are available on the day from the away ticket collection point situated at the south east side corner of the stadium.

Form Guide - Snapshot

Oxford United: W1 D3 L1 from the previous five games. After a convincing win against Watford last weekend, the U's will believe that if they replicate that level of performance in the remaining four games, then they will have a great chance of achieving their goal. A dominant display and a clean sheet will have pleased Matt Bloomfield, who will see this weekend as another good opportunity to show what the team is made of.
Derby County: W3 D0 L2 in their last five. Derby have been in a good run of form in the last couple of months, winning five of their last eight games. Last weekend, they fell to defeat away to Southampton but took the lead and played well against the division's most in-form outfit, giving them plenty of confidence that they could yet claim the final play-off spot despite being five points behind as it stands.

The Rivalry - A Quick Head-To-Head Check

In fact, United have a fairly healthy recent H2H record against Derby County, winning two and losing only one of the previous five encounters. They are also unbeaten in their last two visits to Pride Park, drawing 0-0 last season and winning 2-1 in August 2023 thanks to a brace from Mark Harris.

Overall, the Head-to-Head record looks like this:

Oxford United have six wins
Derby County have seven wins
There have been four draws

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

Yunus Konak vs Sammie Szmodics: Since joining the Rams from Ipswich Town in January, Sammie Szmodics has made an immediate impact - adding goals and real quality in attacking areas. Operating just behind the striker, he’s a key creative threat. That could leave Yunus Konak with the task of limiting his influence. The on-loan Brentford youngster has quickly become a mainstay in Matt Bloomfield’s side, and maintaining his recent level of performance will be vital if the Yellows are to sustain their improved defensive record through the run-in.
Carlton Morris vs Ciaron Brown: Former U’s forward Carlton Morris is Derby County’s leading scorer this season and comes into the game in strong form, having found the net in his last two outings. The 30-year-old brings a wealth of experience at this level and will be central to Derby’s attacking threat. He’s likely to be matched up against Ciaron Brown, who has impressed in the second half of the campaign. The Northern Ireland centre-back will back himself in what promises to be a physical and closely fought battle.
Firepower off the bench: Mark Harris’s goal against Watford last weekend highlighted the strength United now have in depth. The January additions have added real quality to the squad, and between now and the end of the season, that impact from the bench could prove decisive.

Team News From Both Camps

For United, there are only a couple of minor injury concerns ahead of this weekend's game. Aidomo Emakhu is both nearing full fitness and could come back into the squad, while Jack Currie is carrying an ankle injury that will require an operation in the summer, and is unlikely to feature unless absolutely needed.

Unavailable: Tyler Goodrham, Greg Leigh, Brian De Keersmaecker

For the hosts, the major absentee will be in the form of star striker Patrick Agyemang. The USA international, who signed for the Rams for a fee in the region of £6 million last summer, suffered a serious Achilles Tendon injury in their last home game against Stoke City and is expected to miss several months of action.

Bobby Clark and Derry Murkin are also doubtful and will likely face a late fitness test to see if they will be available for Saturday's game.

Unavailable: Patrick Agyemang, Zacob Zatterstrom, Callum Elder

Derby Daring To Break Into The Play-Offs

1) This weekend’s fixture is clearly a huge one for the U’s, but it carries just as much significance for the hosts. Derby County sit five points adrift of the play-off places and will believe they have a genuine chance of closing the gap. With Hull City, currently sixth, struggling for form in recent weeks, and Derby winning five of their last eight, momentum is on their side.

2) The Rams typically set up in a 4-2-3-1 under John Eustace, a pragmatic yet flexible system that can shift into a back three when required. Their approach is grounded in strong defensive organisation and midfield compactness, with the double pivot protecting the back line while enabling quick transitions. In possession, they favour a direct style and are comfortable going long, reflected in their average possession of just 43.9%, the third-lowest in the Championship.

3) Eustace’s side have been prolific in front of goal this season, racking up 61 in total. They’ve been especially dangerous from dead-ball situations, with 20 goals coming from set pieces, the fourth-highest tally in the division.

Lankshear Looking To Hit Double Figures

20-year-old loanee Will Lankshear has continued to show a real affinity with Oxford United, and that commitment has been warmly reciprocated by the U’s supporters. His relentless work rate, both on and off the ball, combined with a growing knack for finding the net, has seen him touted as one of the Club’s most impressive loan signings in recent memory.

He has 10 goals to his name so far, nine of them in the Championship, and will be eager to reach double figures in the league before the campaign concludes. With United now creating chances more consistently than they were earlier in the season, Lankshear will be confident he can deliver the goals needed to help secure their place in the division.

By the Numbers — Fast Facts

Kick-off: Saturday 18 April, 12:30pm at Pride Park.
Recent form (last five): Oxford United W1 D3 L1; Derby County: W3 D0 L2.
Goals: Oxford United have scored 41 goals this season, Derby County have scored 61.
Fun Fact: Derby's nickname "The Rams" comes from a historic local tradition of ram fighting in Derbyshire.
Historic classics: Oxford United 1-0 Derby County (18 October 2025); Derby County 1-2 Oxford United (15 August 2023); Oxford United 2-0 Derby County (13 November 1993)
Played for both teams (Years at Oxford United): Sam Baldock (2022-2023); Jamie Hanson (2018-2022); Trevor Hebberd (1982-1988); Dave Langan (1984-1987); Carlton Morris (2014); Dean Saunders (1987-1988)
Top Goal scorers this season: Will Lankshear (9 goals); Carlton Morris (12 goals).

Voices From The Camp:

Watch the Press Conferences of Matt Bloomfield and Mark Harris:

RETAIL

Our End of Season Sale is now in full swing! Enjoy up to 40% off all Macron products, from replica kits to training and travel wear. It’s the perfect chance to complete your 2025/26 collection before the campaign wraps up. Once it’s gone, it’s gone!

Click here to browse the End of Season Sale!

Earlier this week, we launched a brand-new collection as part of the celebrations of the 40th anniversary of our Milk Cup victory in 1986! Inspired by the iconic style of the era, the range brings a touch of nostalgia to life, reintroducing classic design elements from 1986 across a selection of t-shirts, sweatshirts, and more!

Click HERE to browse the collection!

COMING UP

Just TWO games remain at the Kassam Stadium this season! Both are huge games in potentially determining our fate this season, and we want to see you in the stands!

Tickets for these matches remain available:

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

MATCHDAY GUIDES

Matchday Guide

Get ready for matchday at Pride Park! Click the arrow below to explore travel info, stadium facilities, and top tips provided by Derby County for making the most of your day.

Click here to read