Oxford United vs Ipswich Town | Match Preview

ipswich

Kassam Stadium
Friday 28 November, 8:00pm

The Yellows head into their third match in just six days, and after hard-fought draws against Middlesbrough and Norwich, they'll be eager to put on a performance for the home crowd on Friday night when Ipswich Town come to visit.

Join The BAXI Light Show

For the first time, Oxford United will host a smartphone-powered light show as we take on Ipswich Town under the lights, and we need you to be at the heart of it.

Championship nights at the Kassam are already special, but this Friday we’re taking it to the next level. As the Yellow Army pack the stands, the stadium will come alive with a spectacular, fully synchronised interactive light show, powered by thousands of phone torches working together. 

Click HERE to find out how you can get involved...

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Baxi Lightshow

Football Special Buses Information

Due to the Christmas light switch-on in both Thame and Witney on Friday, there are changes to the pickup points for the OX3, OX4 and OX8 Football Special buses as below:

OX3 and OX4
Witney Market Square C  - Not being used due to the Christmas lights being switched on 
Witney Welch Way [near the petrol station]   - 1817 [For this match only]
Witney Welch Way [opposite Greggs]   - 1820 [For this match only]

OX8
Thame Upper High Street - Not being used due to the Christmas lights being switched on
Thame Town Hall  - Not being used due to the Christmas lights being switched on
Thame Croft Road -1825 [For this match only]
Thame Museum  - 1834

Form Guide - Snapshot

  • Oxford United: W0 D3 L2 from the previous five games. Filip Krastev’s late equaliser at Carrow Road on Tuesday means Oxford arrive at this fixture unbeaten in their last two, and they’ll be hoping that momentum carries them to a much-needed victory on Friday night.
  • Ipswich TownW3 D2 L0 in their last five. The Tractor Boys head to OX4 in impressive form, having won three of their last five matches. With three consecutive away victories behind them, they’ll arrive full of confidence.

The Rivalry - A Quick Head-to-Head Check

A draw has been a common outcome in this fixture, with six of the last 10 meetings ending level. Overall, since the first clash in 1984, the head-to-head record stands at seven wins for the U’s, 10 draws, and 11 victories for Ipswich Town.

The most recent meeting came in January 2023, when goals from Cameron Brannagan and Yanic Wildschut earned Oxford a 2–1 win at the Kassam. Ipswich were well above the U’s in the table on that occasion, so the home fans will be hoping for a repeat result this time around given the current league positions ahead of kick-off.

Worn Both Badges: Players To Play For Both

  • Dane Scarlett: The Tottenham Hotspur youngster spent the first half of last season in Yellow, scoring four goals in 22 appearances before being recalled by Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou. His stoppage-time equaliser against West Brom remains a standout moment from his spell at the Kassam. Before joining Oxford, Scarlett had a brief and largely uneventful loan stint at Ipswich Town, featuring 12 times as a substitute.
  • Greg Leigh: The U’s left-back arrived from Friday’s visitors in August 2023 and made an immediate impression, scoring three goals and winning the EFL League One Player of the Month award for September. Since then, Leigh has become a key figure, making 82 appearances for the Club and finding the net 13 times. As mentioned, he joined from the Tractor Boys, where a serious injury suffered just two months after signing severely limited his opportunities, making his resurgence with the U’s all the more impressive.

Ipswich Town: The Form, the Threats, and the Talking Points

1) Relegated from the Premier League last season, the Tractor Boys are intent on making an immediate return to the top flight. So far, they’re firmly on course to challenge for promotion, sitting fifth in the Sky Bet Championship and just three points off the automatic spots.

2) Life on the road has treated Ipswich well recently, with three straight away victories, including Tuesday night’s win at Hull. Typically lining up in a 4-2-3-1, they favour an attacking, high-intensity approach that applies pressure in both phases of play. Their biggest threat comes from the wide areas, where players like Jack Clarke and Jaden Philogene look to drive forward and deliver dangerous balls into the box.

3) Ipswich are the joint-second highest scorers in the division with 28 goals scored and the third-highest xG behind only Coventry and Southampton.

Jaden Philogene: The Tricky Winger Unlocking All The Doors

The former Aston Villa youngster has quickly emerged as Ipswich Town’s most influential attacking outlet, bringing a level of creativity and explosiveness that sets him apart in this squad. Operating predominantly from wide areas, he combines sharp footwork with excellent close control, allowing him to glide past defenders and open up spaces with relative ease. His confidence on the ball, willingness to take on his man, and ability to cut inside or deliver from the byline make him a constant problem for opposition fullbacks. Whenever Ipswich look to shift momentum or inject some urgency into their play, Philogene is usually at the centre of it.

He’s faced criticism at previous clubs for not delivering enough goals, but this season he’s putting those doubts to rest, already contributing six goals and an assist. Philogene is once again expected to be a vital component of Ipswich’s attacking play, and if the Yellows’ defence can find a way to limit his influence, their chances of securing a positive result will increase significantly.

By the Numbers — Fast Facts

  • Kick-off: Friday 28 November, 8:00pm at the Kassam Stadium.
  • Recent form (last five): Oxford W0 D3 L2; Ipswich Town W3 D2 L0.
  • Goals: Oxford have scored 18 goals this season, Ipswich have scored 28.
  • Fun Fact: Four of the last eight meetings between the two have ended goalless.
  • Historic classics: Oxford 2-1 Ipswich (21 January 2023); Oxford 1-1 Ipswich (19 March 2022); Ipswich 0-1 Oxford (22 February 2020)
  • Top Goal scorers this season: Will Lankshear (5 goals); Jaden Philogene, Jack Clarke (6 goals).

Voices from the Camp: 

Watch Gary Rowett and Brian De Keersmaecker's Press Conferences below:

Remote Stream
Remote Stream

TICKETS

A limited number of tickets for Friday night's clash with Ipswich Town 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 opens at 10:00am on Friday, so be sure to stop by and check out the latest 2025/26 merchandise. This includes the newly launched Manor leisure range, our full Christmas collection and Black Friday deals — giving you plenty of gifting options for the whole family this winter.

P.S. More Black Friday lines will be added at 10:00am on Friday morning!

You can shop online 24/7 HERE

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Away Guide

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.

Away Guide

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 Guide

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.

Away Guide

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.

Watch the highlights from Tuesday's draw away to Norwich City!

Remote Stream