Oxford United vs Hull City | Match Preview

Kassam Stadium
Friday 3 April, 3:00pm

The U's return from the international break knowing how important the upcoming games are for their hopes of remaining in the Championship. The first of seven crucial fixtures is up against promotion-chasing Hull City at the Kassam Stadium.

Game On: Oxford United's Family Fun Day

Before the big match, families are invited to arrive early and enjoy a fantastic range of activities designed especially for young U’s fans.

From 12:30pm until 2:45pm, head to the Exhibition Bar and outside the South Stand where you’ll find interactive gaming stations and plenty of other entertainment to keep everyone smiling.

For more information, please click HERE.

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Form Guide - Snapshot (League form)

• Oxford United: W3 D1 L1 from the previous five games. Although United came away from their trip to Southampton empty-handed, there was plenty to encourage them in a spirited performance. Coupled with the form they showed in the weeks leading up to that visit to St Mary’s, the U’s have reason for optimism. If Matt Bloomfield’s side can maintain the standards of their last five outings, they will be confident of securing the results needed to preserve their place in the division.
• Hull City: W2 D0 L3 in their last five. The Tigers currently occupy fifth place, holding a three-point cushion over Wrexham, who sit just outside the play-off spots. While their position is strong, a run of inconsistent results in recent weeks serves as a warning that any further slip-ups could put their top-six status at risk. They will be eager to respond this weekend and avoid a repeat of the 3–0 defeat they suffered in their previous away game at West Bromwich Albion before the break.

The Rivalry - A Quick Head-to-Head Check

These two sides share a long-standing history, having faced each other 47 times since the 1960s. The bulk of those meetings came between the late 1970s and early 1990s, a period in which United enjoyed considerable success, winning nine and drawing five of 16 encounters between 1979 and 1994.

More recently, Hull City have had the upper hand, winning two of the last three meetings. However, the U’s claimed victory the last time the Tigers visited the Kassam Stadium, with a single goal from Hidde ter Avest sealing a narrow win in November 2024.

Earlier this season, goals from Cam Brannagan and Will Lankshear were not enough to earn a result at the MKM Stadium, as Hull City edged a dramatic 3–2 victory thanks to a stoppage-time winner from Oliver McBurnie.

The overall head-to head record, stretching back to 1968, looks like this:

• Oxford United have won 17 games
• Hull City have won 15 games
• The teams have drawn 15 times

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

• Myles Peart-Harris: Given his distinctive profile as a winger in this United side, the former Brentford player represents a major threat in attacking areas. His height and physical presence make him highly effective in aerial duels, creating opportunities for runners to exploit space in behind. Equally, he is comfortable receiving the ball to feet, capable of holding up play and linking with teammates while drawing defenders out of position. His well-rounded skill set fits seamlessly into the team’s system, and his next step will be to translate that influence into greater goal output.
• The Gelhardt/McBurnie partnership: With 26 goals and 11 assists shared between them, Joe Gelhardt and Oliver McBurnie have established themselves as one of the division’s most dangerous attacking partnerships. Scotland international McBurnie brings a wealth of experience at this level and understands what’s required to push teams towards promotion contention. Alongside him, Gelhardt’s technical quality and sharp football intelligence add creativity and unpredictability in the final third. If United are to secure a positive result, containing this duo and restricting their involvement in dangerous areas will be crucial.
• Lankshear nearing double figures: Football fans are often jokingly warned not to fall in love with a loan player, but Oxford United supporters have found that almost impossible this season with Tottenham forward Will Lankshear. The 20-year-old has netted eight Championship goals so far and has fully embraced the passion, intensity and connection that define the club, qualities that have quickly endeared him to the U’s faithful. As the season enters its final stretch, he will be targeting double figures and will be eager to move closer to that milestone this weekend.

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Team News From Both Camps

For United, there are no fresh injury concerns following the international break. A handful of players returned only days ago from their international duty and so Matt Bloomfield will have to assess their fitness ahead of Friday's game.

Unavailable: Tyler Goodrham, Brian De Keersmaecker, Greg Leigh

For the visitors, Regan Slater is likely to miss the remainder of the season after suffering an ankle injury in the win over Sheffield Wednesday before the international break.

Paddy McNair and Semi Ajayi are likely to be fit despite returning early from international duty with minor injury issues, and Charlie Hughes will also be available after serving a one-match ban.

Unavailable: Babajide David Akintola, Akin Famewo, Ryan Giles, Darko Gyabi, Yu Hirakawa,  Matty Jacob, Eliot Matazo, Regan Slater

Hull Hunting For Promotion

1) The Tigers currently occupy fifth place in the Sky Bet Championship, sitting three points clear of AFC Wrexham in seventh. With just six points separating Ipswich Town in third from that seventh spot just outside the play-off's, the promotion race is finely poised. Hull City will know that any slip-ups in the closing stages of the season could prove costly and see them fall out of the play-off positions.

2)  Under Sergej Jakirović, Hull City have generally adopted a pragmatic but flexible approach, often setting up in a compact 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 shape. Out of possession, they prioritise defensive organisation, frequently dropping into a mid-to-low block to stay compact and limit space between the lines, before looking to break quickly. In possession, Jakirović has expressed a desire for more attacking football, with an emphasis on playing through central areas and creating chances, while also utilising width, particularly from attacking full-backs, and delivering crosses into the box.

3) With 62 goals to their name this season, the Tigers rank as the fifth-highest scorers in the division. What makes that return particularly striking is how it compares to their underlying numbers: an xG of just 1.25, 19th in the league, suggests they have significantly outperformed the volume and quality of chances they create. It underlines a ruthless edge in front of goal, with their clinical finishing playing a major role in keeping them towards the top end of the table. That efficiency has been crucial given their defensive record is among the weakest in the division, with 57 goals conceded, better only than Sheffield Wednesday, QPR and Leicester City.

4) This weekend’s clash at the Kassam Stadium marks the first of four fixtures against bottom-half opposition in Hull City’s final seven games. With just one remaining match against a current top-six side, the Tigers will be confident of maintaining their play-off position as the season reaches its concluding stages.

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Yunus Konak: Steadying The Ship In Midfield

The on-loan Brentford midfielder has quickly become a key figure in Matt Bloomfield’s side, bringing energy, athleticism, and a real defensive edge in recent weeks. He consistently disrupts opposition attacks while also playing an important role in driving United forward.

His presence in front of the back line adds a vital layer of protection, giving teammates, such as Cam Brannagan, the freedom to push higher up the pitch without exposing the defence on the counter.

At just 20, he’s already winning over the OX4 faithful, with his commitment and work rate plain to see. If his current trajectory continues, he looks set to play a crucial role in United’s push to secure their Championship status this season.

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By the Numbers — Fast Facts

• Kick-off: Friday 3 April, 3:00pm at Kassam Stadium .
• Recent form (last five): Oxford United W3 D1 L1; Hull City: W2 D0 L3.
• Goals: Oxford United have scored 36 goals this season, Hull City have scored 62 goals.
• Fun Fact: Hull City were almost renamed as "Hull Tigers" by owner Assem Allam in 2013, but the FA blocked it following fan protests.
• Historic classics: Oxford United 1-0 Hull City (5 November 2024); Oxford United 2-1 Hull City (16 August 2003); Oxford United 4-0 Hull City (13 August 1994)
• Played for both teams (Years at Oxford United): Alex Dyer (1993-1995); Matt Ingram (2024-present); Kyle Joseph (2022-2023); John Lundstram (2015-2017); Sam Ricketts (2000-2003); Malcolm Shotton (1980-1987); Dean Windass (1998-1999)
• Top Goal scorers this season: Will Lankshear (8 goals); Joe Gelhardt and Oliver McBurnie (13 goals).

Voices From The Camp:

Watch the Press Conferences of Matt Bloomfield and Sam Long Below:

RETAIL

The End of Season Sale is now LIVE! Over the next few weeks, we will be offering incredible discounts on a huge range of items across the club shop. From replica kits to travel wear, you can get yourselves up to 40% off  all Macron products.

Click here to explore the sale and discover the price reductions on offer!

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COMING UP

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We only have FOUR games remaining at the Kassam Stadium this season! 

We all know how important these four games could prove in determining our final league position for the 2025/26 campaign, and a sold-out home stadium can often prove the difference. 

Don't miss your chance to play your part in our efforts during this crucial run-in.

All In. Together.

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

Hear from Will Lankshear who gives his thoughts ahead of the final seven games of the season!