Carrow Road
Tuesday 25 November, 7:45pm
The U’s head to Norfolk on Tuesday night aiming to build on Saturday’s hard-earned point at home to Middlesbrough, knowing a victory could extend the gap between themselves and the relegation zone.
Form Guide - Snapshot
- Oxford United: W1 D2 L2 from the previous five games. Gary Rowett and his side will be encouraged by the performance and result on Saturday against second-place Middlesbrough, hoping that a similar showing will result in three points.
- Norwich: W0 D1 L4 in their last five. The Canaries may be struggling for form, but with a new manager at the helm they’ll view this as a prime opportunity to get back on track in front of their home supporters.
The Rivalry - A Quick Head-to-Head Check
The two Clubs have met 26 times since their first encounter in 1954, with the U’s avoiding defeat in just over half of those fixtures—winning eight and drawing six.
In the modern era, they’ve faced each other only twice, with Oxford United taking four points from a possible six during the 2024/25 season. Mark Harris scored in both meetings, netting the opener in the 2–0 win at the Kassam in August, before grabbing the equaliser in the 1–1 draw at Carrow Road in March.
The Connections - Worn Both Badges
- Josh Murphy: Fondly remembered for scoring both goals in the U’s 2024 play-off triumph over Bolton Wanderers at Wembley, Murphy made 62 appearances for Oxford United, netting 10 times during his two-year spell at OX4. His career began at Norwich, where he progressed through the academy to make 108 senior appearances across the Championship and League One.
- Przemyslaw Placheta: The left-footed Polish winger has made 48 appearances in Yellow and Blue since joining the Club from Swansea City in July 2024. His thunderous long-range strike against Bristol City this year remains a standout moment of his Oxford career, with many more to hopefully come in the future. Placheta began his professional career at Norwich, making 61 appearances across all competitions during a four-year spell that also included a loan stint at Birmingham City.
- Hugh Curran: A former Scottish international, striker Curran made 121 appearances for Oxford between 1972 and 1974, scoring 43 goals and finishing as the Club’s top scorer in both the 1972/73 and 1973/74 seasons. Before arriving at the Manor Ground, he had made over 100 appearances for Norwich City, netting 46 times. Interestingly, after retiring from football, Curran ran several pubs across Oxfordshire and later worked as a supervisor for Oxford Thornhill’s Park-and-Ride service.
Opposition Focus: What's Going On At Carrow Road?
1) Under new boss Philippe Clement, the team is expected to reshape its playing style. While Liam Manning emphasised possession and patient build-up, Clement won’t shy away from injecting more directness when the situation demands it — blending control with efficiency to forge a more flexible approach.
2) This season, Norwich have largely operated in a fluid 3-4-3, giving their wing-backs licence to push high and provide width. Out of possession, they often transition into a back four, crowding the midfield to disrupt passing lanes and limit balls played through the lines.
3) The biggest problem for the side this season has been conceding goals, having leaked the second-most in the division after 16 matches (27). The other problem Norwich have had this season is playing at home, having lost all seven of their league games at Carrow Road this season.
4) Norwich fans will pin their hopes on star forward Joshua Sargent to provide the goals that keep them in the division. The USA international has five goals and two assists so far this campaign, and with a fresh approach under new management, he’ll be confident of adding to that tally and helping steer Norwich in the right direction.
Joshua Sargent: "The Best Nine At This Level"
The 25-year-old American striker - hailed by former boss Liam Manning as “the best number nine in the Championship” - possesses all the qualities of a top-level forward at this level. His movement is intelligent, he’s strong aerially, and he has the natural instincts of a goal scorer, which has understandably attracted Premier League interest.
Despite opening the campaign with five goals in his first five matches, Sargent hasn’t found the net since August, and he will view this fixture as an ideal chance to reignite his scoring form against an Oxford United side sitting just above Norwich in the table.
If Norwich are to unsettle the U’s back line and come away with a positive result, Sargent is likely to play a pivotal role in making it happen.
By the Numbers — Fast Facts
- Kick-off: Tuesday 22 November, 7:45pm at Carrow Road.
- Recent form (last five): Oxford W1 D2 L2; Norwich: W0 D1 L4.
- Goals: Oxford have scored 17 goals this season, Norwich have scored 15.
- Fun Fact: There has never been a goalless draw between these two sides.
- Historic classics: Oxford 2-0 Norwich (10 August 2024); Oxford 3-1 Norwich (29 November 1998); Oxford 3-2 Norwich (3 September 1996)
- Top Goal scorers this season: Will Lankshear (5 goals); Joshua Sargent (5 goals).
- Played For Both (Years with Oxford): Ashley Barnes (2007); Roger Gibbins (1975-1976); Carlton Morris (2014); Yanic Wildschut (2022-2023)
Voices from the Camp:
Watch Gary Rowett and Mark Harris' Press Conferences below:
RETAIL
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MATCHDAY GUIDES
Matchday Guide
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