Kassam Stadium
Wednesday 11 March, 7:45pm

The Kassam Stadium is set to be an emotional venue on Wednesday evening as the Club pays it's respects to Amelia Aplin. The Club will hold a minute's silence prior to kick-off on Wednesday to remember 15-year-old Amelia, with players and coaches to wear black armbands as a sign of respect. 

We ask all supporters to take their seats early to ensure the tribute can be conducted with the quiet reflection it deserves. Supporters are also invited to lay tributes outside the stadium before kick-off at the Ox statue in the South Stand car park. 

The thoughts of everyone at Oxford United remain with Amelia’s family, friends and teammates. 

Form Guide - Snapshot (League form)

Looking at the game, Matt Bloomfield's team are looking to make it three wins in succession, following Friday night's victory over Preston North End, as they take on Blackburn Rovers.

• Oxford United: W2 D1 L2 from the previous five games. Matt Bloomfield’s side followed up their win over West Brom with a sensational performance and victory away at Preston North End on Friday night. With two home fixtures against bottom-half opposition coming up this week, confidence will be high throughout the squad and they will know they have a great opportunity to finish the week outside of the bottom three.
• Blackburn Rovers: W2 D1 L2 in their last five. Blackburn sit just four points above the relegation zone after going three matches without a win. Their form throughout 2026 has been inconsistent, and with a challenging run of fixtures still to come, they are likely to view this game as a valuable opportunity to pick up some much-needed points.

The Rivalry - A Quick Head-to-Head Check

Earlier this season, Oxford United left Ewood Park with a point after a Todd Cantwell penalty cancelled out Ciaron Brown’s opening goal.

Since 2024, the sides have met three times: that draw earlier this season, a 1–0 victory for the Yellows in January last year, and a 2–1 win for Blackburn in August 2024. Recent meetings have tended to be closely contested, both in terms of the scoreline and the overall flow of the game.

Overall, the two clubs have faced each other 31 times since 1964, with the U’s recording eight wins and 11 draws in those encounters.

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

• The Lankshear-Donley partnership: With two goals in his last two games, Will Lankshear is full of confidence, something that has no doubt been boosted by the return of Jamie Donley to the side. His fellow Spurs loanee is beginning to showcase his quality, with his composure on the ball and ability to drive the U’s forward in attack. The pair formed a formidable partnership at youth level and are now starting to show glimpses of that understanding in the Championship.
• Yuki Ohashi: Yuki Ohashi, Blackburn Rovers’ leading goalscorer this season, poses a significant threat to any backline at this level. The 29-year-old Japanese international operates primarily in the number 10 role and thrives on receiving the ball between the lines. Constantly on the move to find pockets of space, he will require close attention in midfield, with the likes of Cameron Brannagan and Yunus Konak needing to stay alert to limit his influence on the game.
• Balazs Toth: With the U’s netting five goals across their last two games, the team appears to have found a strong balance following the January influx of new signings, with goalscoring opportunities coming at a far higher rate. Blackburn goalkeeper Balazs Toth will need to be at his sharpest with the U's full of confidence in front of their own fans. The Hungary international has reclaimed his spot in the side following an injury late in 2025 and has kept two clean sheets in his last seven appearances.

Team News From Both Camps

The U’s head into this game with no new injury concerns after Friday night’s win over Preston North End.

Hidde ter Avest could make a return to the squad after missing the previous match due to illness.

Unavailable: Tyler Goodrham, Brian De Keersmaecker, Greg Leigh

For the visitors, midfielder Sondre Tronstad has been ruled out for the remainder of the season, while Todd Cantwell, who played a pivotal role at Ewood Park earlier this season, is unlikely to return in time having been sidelined with a foot injury for the past five matches.

Unavailable: Ryan Hedges, Augustus Kargbo, Lewis Miller, Aynsley Pears, Sondre Tronstad

The Rovers Looking To Return To Winning Ways

1) It has been a challenging season for Blackburn Rovers. While they have rarely occupied the relegation zone, they have struggled to accumulate enough points to establish a comfortable gap from the bottom three. After Michael O'Neill took over from Valerien Ismael in February, he led the team to two wins in his opening two matches. Since then, however, Blackburn have managed just one point from their last three games, with two defeats and a draw.

2) Michael O'Neill has long been known as a pragmatic manager, prioritising stability and results over expansive, flashy football. He places a strong emphasis on discipline and organisation, with a tactical focus on ensuring his team’s defensive structure is as solid and cohesive as possible.

3) Blackburn Rovers boast a fairly respectable away record this season, ranking 14th in the form table for away matches. However, with just one win from their last nine games on the road, it’s evident that points have been hard to come by away from Ewood Park since the start of 2026.

4) If the visitors are to secure a positive result, the leadership and defensive prowess of centre-back Sean McLoughlin will be crucial. The former Hull City defender has recorded the most interceptions in the Championship this season (63) and has hardly missed a minute, proving a rock at the back when his team has needed him most. He will face off against an in-form Will Lankshear, making their duel one of the most compelling battles of the match.

Stan Mills Running Down The Wing...

Stanley Mills, United’s number 17 and son of former England international Danny Mills, has been in excellent form in recent weeks. He followed his stunning header against West Bromwich Albion with an assist against Preston North End, consistently showing intent to drive forward whenever he gains possession.

Able to attack down either flank, Mills has become a key offensive outlet for Matt Bloomfield, using his directness and willingness to take on opposing full-backs to create more opportunities for his side. With a successful dribble rate of 56.1% this season, he will look to continue improving those numbers as he cements his role as one of United’s most influential players.

By the Numbers — Fast Facts

• Kick-off: Wednesday 11 March, 7:45pm at Kassam Stadium .
• Recent form (last five): Oxford United W2 D1 L2; Blackburn Rovers: W2 D1 L2.
• Goals: Both Oxford United and Blackburn Rovers have scored 34 goals this season.
• Fun Fact: In 1995, Blackburn Rovers became the second side to win the Premier League.
• Historic classics: Oxford United 1-0 Blackburn Rovers (18 January 2025); Blackburn Rovers 1-3 Oxford United (29 December 1990); Blackburn Rovers 4-3 Oxford United (20 January 1987)
• Played for both teams (Years at Oxford United): John Butcher (1982-1984); Simon Eastwood (2016-present); Todd Kane (2018); Jack Payne (2017-2018); Jordan Rhodes (2007); Joe Rothwell (2016-2018)
• Top Goal scorers this season: Will Lankshear (8 goals); Yuki Ohashi (8 goals).

Voices From The Camp:

Watch the Press Conferences of Matt Bloomfield and Cam Brannagan Below:

COMING UP

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We only have a handful of home games left this season, and each will be vitally important in achieving our mission!

The next four see us take on Charlton Athletic, Hull City, Watford and Wrexham between now and the end of April.

*Watford tickets will go on sale next week.

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

Watch the highlights from Friday night's sensational victory over Preston North End!