Middlesbrough vs Oxford United | Match Preview

Riverside Stadium
Saturday 21 February, 3:00pm

The Yellows are back on the road this weekend, heading to Middlesbrough on a mission to take down a team currently sat in the Sky Bet Championship's automatic promotion spots. 

Tickets

Tickets will be available to purchase on the day from the away ticket office (CASH ONLY).

Form Guide - Snapshot

• Oxford United: W1 D1 L3 from the previous five games. Matt Bloomfield will be looking to take something away this weekend when many predict they won't, as they did at Coventry City recently. Now that the January signings have settled in, Bloomfield will be aiming for consistency in the team between now and the end of the season.
• Middlesbrough: W4 D0 L1 in their last five. Middlesbrough have been in excellent form since the turn of the year, losing only once in 2026 and that was to fellow promotion hopefuls Coventry City on Monday night. In front of their home crowd, Boro will fancy their chances of securing a result this weekend.

The Rivalry - A Quick Head-to-Head Check

When the sides met earlier this season, there was little to choose between them. The Yellows edged in front through Luke Harris, but a second-half strike from Middlesbrough winger Morgan Whittaker earned Boro a 1-1 draw and a share of the points.

United will be eager to improve their recent record in this fixture, having not beaten Middlesbrough since 1990, when a John Durnin brace secured a 3-1 victory at the Manor Ground.

Overall, the two clubs have faced each other 30 times since 1966, with the U’s recording five wins and seven draws.

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

• Middlesbrough's sturdy defence: Middlesbrough’s defensive record this season has been one of the strongest in the division, built on organisation, discipline, and control. By dominating possession and maintaining a compact shape out of possession, they have consistently limited opponents’ opportunities, conceding remarkably few goals across the campaign. Their back line has shown impressive consistency, while the collective work rate across the pitch ensures they are difficult to break down, making them one of the Championship’s most resilient and well-structured defensive units. The likes of Jamie Donley and Myles Peart-Harris will need to be on top form if they are to create the spark that breaks through the Boro backline.
• Morgan Whittaker vs Jack Currie: Former Plymouth Argyle forward Morgan Whittaker has been in sensational form this season, registering eleven goals and five assists, establishing himself as one of the Championship’s most influential attacking threats. Typically deployed on the right flank, Whittaker looks to take on full-backs both inside and out, using his pace and skill to create chances. Opposite him is likely to be Jack Currie, who has emerged as one of Oxford United’s standout performers this season. Currie, who enjoys bombing down the wing to support attacks, sets the stage for a compelling duel on the flank, promising plenty of action and tactical intrigue.
• Jamie Cumming:  The U’s number one was in top form during the team’s last away trip to Coventry, producing six outstanding saves to help secure a crucial point. The 26-year-old’s composure and shot-stopping ability were pivotal that day, and he is set to be tested again this weekend against a side currently in excellent form.

Team News From Both Camps

The last couple of weeks has seen a number of long-term absentees return to full training. Jamie Donley made his long-awaited return to the team against Sunderland following the shoulder injury obtained on his debut in January, whilst Jack Currie also returned and is fully fit following a spell on the sidelines. 

Brian De Keersmaecker and Nik Prelec have both returned to training and could be in contention to return to the matchday squad.

Unavailable: Tyler Goodrham, Hidde ter Avest, Greg Leigh 

For the hosts, there are no fresh injury concerns and other than a few long-term absentees, Kim Hellberg has a fully fit squad to choose from.

Unavailable: Alex Bangura, Leo Castledine, George Edmundson, Alfie Jones, Darragh Lenihan

Hellberg Heading For Automatic Promotion!

1) Middlesbrough's form in 2026 has seen them build a comfortable 5-point gap between themselves and third place as they look to continue to cement their place in the automatic promotion places. Since Swedish boss Kim Hellberg was appointed as head coach in November, Boro have won 10 of their 15 Sky Bet Championship matches.

2) Middlesbrough boast the highest average possession in the division (58.3%), underlining their intent to control matches through ball retention. Having conceded just 33 goals this season, the third-lowest tally in the Championship,  they are clear evidence that limiting an opponent’s time on the ball greatly reduces their chances of scoring.

3) As a team that dominates possession in most of their matches, Boro have accrued the joint-fewest yellow cards in the league (48). Without the ball, they stay organised, disciplined, and compact in their shape.

4) Boro have a win percentage of 67%  against teams currently in the bottom half of the Sky Bet Championship so far this season (P15 W10 D4 L1).

Jamie Donley: Ready To Make An Impact

After becoming the first of eight January signings for Oxford United, there was considerable excitement surrounding the arrival of Jamie Donley, with hopes that the on-loan Tottenham Hotspur youngster would add flair to the attacking unit. However, that anticipation was quickly dampened when he suffered an injury on his debut against MK Dons in the Emirates FA Cup, a setback that ruled him out for the following six weeks.

His return to action against Sunderland at the weekend was a welcome sight for both the coaching staff and U’s supporters alike, and there is now renewed hope that his energy and creativity in possession can begin to have a greater impact in the final third as the team go in search of more goals.

By the Numbers — Fast Facts

• Kick-off: Saturday 21 February, 3:00pm at the Riverside Stadium.
• Recent form (last five): Oxford United W1 D1 L3; Middlesbrough: W4 D0 L1.
• Goals: Oxford United have scored 28 goals this season, Middlesbrough have scored 50.
• Fun Fact:
• Historic classics: Oxford United 1-1 Middlesbrough (22 November 2025); Oxford United 3-1 Middlesbrough (24 February 1990); Oxford United 4-0 Middlesbrough (19 August 1972)
• Played for both teams (Years at Oxford United): Joe Bennett (2023-2025); Marcus Browne (2018-2019 & 2022-2024); Tom Craddock (2010-2013); Marvin Johnson (2016-2017); Dave Kitson (2013-2014); Josh McEachran (2023-2025); Robbie Mustoe (1986-1990); Jimmy Phillips (1988-1990); Phil Whelan (1997-2000); Dean Whitehead (1999-2004); Dean Windass (1998-1999)
• Top Goal scorers this season: Will Lankshear (6 goals); Morgan Whittaker (11 goals).

Voices From The Camp:

Watch Matt Bloomfield and Jamie Donley's OUTV interviews here:

RETAIL

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The Oxford United players will be wearing it in Saturday’s clash against Middlesbrough, and now you can too.

Enjoy 20% off from Friday to Sunday only. Don’t miss your chance to grab this stunning kit at a reduced price!

Click HERE to shop now on our online store.

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COMING UP

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We’re back in action at the Kassam Stadium next Saturday as we host West Bromwich Albion.

But if you can’t wait that long for your next dose of live football, why not head to Oxford City Football Club on Sunday to cheer on our Women’s team as they face Charlton Athletic in the Fifth Round of the FA Women's Cup?

Tickets for these matches are available:

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

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