Kassam Stadium
Saturday 17 January, 3:00pm
The Yellows host Bristol City on Saturday afternoon, marking Matt Bloomfield’s first match in charge of United following his appointment as Head Coach last week.
Panini Swap Shop
Ahead of kick-off, head to the Exhibition Bar between 1:00pm – 2:00pm for our Panini Swap Shop. Whether you’re looking to complete your sticker book or finish your Oxford United page, bring your swaps along and join the fun!
Form Guide - Snapshot
- Oxford United: W1 D0 L4 from the previous five games. The Yellows faithful will be hoping for a lift in both results and performances following the appointment of Matt Bloomfield as Head Coach. Victory over MK Dons in the Emirates FA Cup last time out restored a winning feeling, and the squad will be eager to carry that momentum into the weekend as they look to kick-start their league campaign.
- Bristol City: W3 D0 L2 in their last five. Last season’s play-off semi-finalists are once again pushing for promotion and arrive for this fixture on the back of a thumping FA Cup victory over Watford last weekend. While the Robins’ form has been inconsistent this season, they will be wary of the threat Oxford pose, having lost the last meeting between the two sides.
The Rivalry - A Quick Head-to-Head Check
These two sides have met 47 times since their first battle in 1968. Of those 47 games, United have the upper hand with 19 wins and 15 draws.
The mid-90s was a particularly successful period for the U's against City, winning five games on the bounce from 1993 to 1996.
In more recent meetings, the results have been evenly balanced. United have recorded three wins, including the 3–1 victory at Ashton Gate in September, while City have also claimed three wins, with the sides drawing twice since 2000. Oxford fans will be hoping for a repeat of that performance in Bristol earlier this season, widely regarded as the team’s best of the campaign, when goals from Nik Prelec, Przemysław Płacheta and Greg Leigh secured an impressive victory.
The Key Battles: Where Could This Game Be Won And Lost?
- Will Lankshear vs Robert Dickie: Will Lankshear arrives in confident form, having scored in the last two matches, and will be buoyed further by the fresh impetus of new management heading into this fixture. He is set to come up against former U’s defender Rob Dickie, who has been an almost ever-present at the heart of the City defence this season. The 29-year-old, Oxford’s Supporters’ Player of the Year in 2019/20, offers physical strength and aerial dominance, setting up a compelling duel between the youthful, on-loan Spurs forward and a vastly experienced centre-back.
- Scott Twine vs Myles Peart-Harris: City playmaker Scott Twine has been a hugely influential presence in midfield this season, operating in the number 10 role alongside Anis Mehmeti. With seven goals and four assists to his name, and a constant threat from set pieces, he is undoubtedly one to watch. At the other end, Myles Peart-Harris’ debut for the Yellows against MK Dons last week has given U’s supporters plenty of encouragement that he can make a similarly telling impact. The 23-year-old will be eager to make a statement on his home debut.
- The return of Cam Brannagan: After almost two months sidelined with a calf injury, United captain Cam Brannagan made his long-awaited return to the midfield in the FA Cup last Friday. His leadership, creativity and relentless energy have been sorely missed, and he will be eager to remind everyone of his quality after a prolonged absence.
Team News
The U’s will be without Tyler Goodrham and Jamie Donley for the coming weeks. Donley’s injury, sustained on his debut against MK Dons, is not as serious as initially feared, though it will still sideline him for the foreseeable future.
Przemysław Płacheta could return to the matchday squad following his recent troubles with a calf injury, while new signings Myles Peart-Harris and Yunus Emre Konak are both available for selection.
For the visitors, January arrival Samy Morsy may be in contention to start after making his Robins debut in their FA Cup victory over Watford.
Bristol City remain without long-term absentees Max Bird, Luke McNally and Joe Williams, and Mark Sykes is also expected to miss out due to a quadricep injury.
Bristol City: Pushing For Promotion Again
1) After falling to defeat at the hands of Sheffield United in the Championship play-offs last season, the Robins are determined to gain another shot at promotion. Under Head Coach Gerhard Struber, City’s style of play is built around high intensity, aggressive pressing proactive football. Struber wants his team to control and dominate matches by winning the ball high up the pitch and transitioning quickly into attack, combining energy and forward momentum with attractive football. His approach leans on quick transitions and a willingness to push into advanced areas once possession is won.
2) City are joint-fifth in the Championship for goals scored, with their attacking output shared evenly across the squad. Anis Mehmeti leads the way with eight goals, while Scott Twine and Emil Riis have each contributed seven - a clear sign of a potent and well-balanced attacking unit.
3) Bristol City boast the second-highest goalkeeper save percentage in the division at 74.3% and have conceded just 29 goals - the fifth-lowest total in the Championship.
Are The Robins Reliant on Anis Mehmeti?
Anis Mehmeti has been one of the Championship's standout performers this season, excelling as a dynamic and intelligent attacking presence. Comfortable operating between the lines, he combines close control, sharp movement and a strong eye for goal to consistently trouble opposition defences.
Mehmeti leads City’s scoring charts with nine goals in all competitions, underlining his importance in the final third, while his link-up play and work rate make him integral to the team’s pressing and attacking structure. Whether drifting into pockets of space, driving at defenders or arriving late in the box, his performances have highlighted both his growing maturity and his value as a key creative force in City’s attack.
By the Numbers — Fast Facts
- Kick-off: Saturday 17 January, 3:00pm at the Kassam Stadium.
- Recent form (last five): Oxford W1 D0 L4; Bristol City W3 D0 L2.
- Goals: Oxford have scored 25, Bristol City have scored 38.
- Fun Fact: Five of the last six meetings have seen three or more goals scored.
- Historic classics: Bristol City 1-3 Oxford (21 September 2025); Bristol City 1-2 Oxford (12 August 2013); Oxford 3-0 Bristol City (2 October 1999)
- Top Goal scorers this season: Will Lankshear (6 goals); Anis Mehmeti (8 goals).
Voices from the Camp:
Watch Matt Bloomfield's Press Conference below:
TICKETS
A limited number of tickets for Saturday's clash with Bristol City remain on sale. Secure your seats for this exciting encounter in OX4 by:
- Clicking HERE
- Calling 01865 337 533
- Visiting the Ticket Office in person
RETAIL
The Club Shop will be open from 10am on Saturday, so be sure to stop by and check out the latest 2025/26 merchandise ahead of kick off. Our January Sale is in full swing - and from Saturday to Tuesday, Season Ticket Holders can enjoy an exclusive extra 10% off EVERYTHING when shopping in-store.
Matchday Guide
Get ready for matchday at the Kassam Stadium!
Our comprehensive guide will give you all you need to know before your visit. Click the arrow below to explore travel info, stadium facilities, and top tips for making the most of your day.
Disabled Supporters Guide
Plan your visit with confidence using our Disabled Supporters Guide to the Kassam Stadium. Inside, you’ll find all the key information on accessibility, facilities, and matchday support. Click the arrow below to learn more.
Away Supporters Guide
Visiting the Kassam Stadium as an away fan? Our Away Supporters Guide has everything you need to know before matchday — from travel and parking to facilities and seating. Click the arrow below to get prepared for your trip.
Stream LIVE On OUTV
Don’t miss a minute of the action – stream the game live on the Club’s OUTV platform.
International fans can watch the game live, depending on their location. The match is streamable worldwide, except for the United Kingdom and Ireland.
