Find out everything you need to know ahead of the opening weekend of the EFL Sky Bet League One Season, as Oxford United host newly promoted MK Dons in OX4!
WHEN AND WHERE
Oxford United host MK Dons in the opening weekend of the 2026/27 EFL Sky Bet League One season.
The match takes place at the Kassam Stadium on Saturday 15 August, with the game kicking off at 12:30pm.
HOW CAN I WATCH THE GAME?
Video passes are available for international viewers by clicking the button below.
For our UK audience, audio streaming for this fixture is available exclusively with a Monthly or Seasonal Audio Pass.
Purchase a Monthly or Seasonal Audio Pass using the button below to listen to this weekend's match, plus all included audio coverage throughout your pass period.
You can keep up to date with the action with live updates via the Official Oxford United App, as well as the key moments on X and Instagram: @OUFCOfficial.
GET TO KNOW OUR OPPONENTS
Milton Keynes Dons, commonly known as MK Dons, return to League One for the first time since their relegation in 2023. After finishing second in League Two with 86 points last season, the Dons secured an immediate return to the third tier and will now be targeting back-to-back promotions. They have strengthened their experienced squad with a host of new signings as they look to build on last season’s success and establish themselves among the promotion contenders once again.
The visitors this weekend will be managed by Paul Warne. The 53-year-old is an experienced manager who has built a reputation for getting the best out of his squads and achieving promotion, evidenced by his time at Rotherham United and Derby County. At Rotherham, he guided the club to three promotions before going on to take Derby County into the Championship from League One in 2024. Known for his energetic and hard-working approach, Warne brings considerable experience of the EFL and will be aiming to use that knowledge to help the Dons challenge for success this season.
HOW ARE BOTH CAMPS SHAPING UP FOR THE NEW SEASON?
After an encouraging pre-season, the U’s suffered an early setback last weekend as they were beaten by Leyton Orient in the opening round of the Carabao Cup. Despite the result, there is plenty of optimism heading into Saturday’s league opener, with Aaron Ramsey and his squad eager to make a strong start in front of their home supporters.
United Head Coach Ramsey has consistently emphasised his desire for his side to dominate possession under his management, encouraging a more attacking style of football than fans have seen in recent seasons in the Championship. With several key players now back to full fitness following recent illness and injury, the former Arsenal midfielder will be hoping his team can put those principles into practice and deliver an impressive performance on the opening weekend.
The Dons also exited the League Cup at the first hurdle last weekend, suffering a 4-1 defeat to Norwich City. The result followed a mixed pre-season campaign, with MK Dons winning two and losing three of their six friendlies.
The visitors have been active in the transfer market, adding experienced players such as midfielder Ryan Wintle and centre-back Charlie Goode to their ranks. With an already seasoned squad featuring the likes of Callum Paterson, Aaron Collins and Nathaniel Mendez-Laing, the Dons will feel they have earned their place back in League One and will be aiming to establish themselves as promotion contenders once again.
WHO COULD PROVE TO BE THE KEY MEN FOR EACH TEAM?
Club captain Cam Brannagan will be hoping to replicate the attacking numbers he produced during his previous spell in League One in the 2023/24 promotion-winning campaign. That season, the midfielder recorded 12 goals and nine assists, playing a pivotal role in the U’s successful push for promotion.
The box-to-box midfielder will be eager to re-establish himself as one of the division’s standout central midfielders. Wearing the captain’s armband, Brannagan will also be tasked with leading by example as the U’s look enjoy a successful return to League One.
The former Cardiff City midfielder joined MK Dons on a free transfer after an outstanding 2025/26 campaign.
Named the Bluebirds’ Player of the Year last season and being a driving force behind the club's promotion to the Championship, Wintle is a composed and hardworking presence in midfield. He brings valuable EFL experience to Paul Warne’s side and will be expected to provide both defensive solidity and quality in possession.
TEAM NEWS
Frankie Kent, Ruben Roosken and Jin Woo Jeon are the only members of the first team squad that are unavailable through injury.
Stan Mills and Brian De Keersmaecker have both returned to full training ahead of this weekend after missing recent weeks through illness and minor knocks.
The visitors have a fully fit squad to choose from and are likely to hand league debuts to several of their summer signings.
Unavailable: Frankie Kent, Ruben Roosken, Jin Woo Jeon
PRE-MATCH PRESS CONFERENCES
You can watch the full Press Conferences of United Head Coach Aaron Ramsey and Tyler Goodrham by clicking the buttons below.
Tyler Goodrham Press Conference
PREVIOUS MEETING & HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORD
It wasn’t too long ago that these two sides last met, with the U’s travelling to Stadium MK for an FA Cup Third Round clash in January. The game finished 1-1 after Will Lankshear’s second-half strike cancelled out an early opener from Dons striker Aaron Collins.
Following a goalless period of extra time, the tie went to penalties, where the U’s prevailed 4-3. Ole Romeny, Mark Harris, Myles Peart-Harris and Matty Phillips all converted their spot-kicks, while United goalkeeper Matt Ingram saved two of the home side’s penalties to send the U’s through to the next round.
Last Six Matches | ||
Date | Result | Score |
1 January 2026 | D | MK Dons 1-1 Oxford United |
19 September 2023 | L | Oxford United 0-1 MK Dons |
11 February 2023 | D | MK Dons 1-1 Oxford United |
17 September 2022 | L | Oxford United 1-2 Mk Dons |
19 April 2022 | W | Oxford United 1-0 MK Dons |
ELSEWHERE IN LEAGUE ONE THIS WEEKEND
Here are the other games taking place in EFL Sky Bet League One this weekend (3:00pm kick off unless stated):
Saturday 15 August
Notts County vs Leicester City (12:30pm)
Reading vs Luton Town (12:30pm)
Barnsley vs Bromley
Blackpool vs Wycombe Wanderers
Bradford City vs Peterborough United
Burton Albion vs Stevenage
Cambridge United vs Wigan Athletic
Huddersfield Town vs AFC Wimbledon
Leyton Orient vs Sheffield Wednesday
Mansfield vs Doncaster
Plymouth Argyle vs Stockport County
WHICH KIT WILL UNITED BE WEARING?
United will be wearing the new Replica Home Kit for this weekend's fixture. You can click the button below to buy yours online today!
Carfax Collection
Oxford United have unveiled the Carfax Collection, a premium range of luxury travel wear for the Men’s First Team as they journey to home and away fixtures throughout the 2026/27 season.
The nine-piece military green and black collection has been curated to give players a choice of garments that reflect their own style and individuality, without compromising on comfort or quality.
Perfect for leisure, travel and everyday wear, the Carfax Collection is named after the historic crossroads that sit at the heart of Oxford.
Performance Inspires - Oxford United's 2026/27 Away Kit
Oxford United are proud to unveil the Club’s 2026/27 away kit, the second release in the three-part Inspires Series.
Performance Inspires showcases Oxford’s thriving performing arts scene, as ballet, theatre and music come together to launch the stunning new white away shirt.
The crew neck and sleeve cuffs reflect the Club's colours, whilst the navy blue silicone-printed Macron Hero, the Oxford United crest and the name of our Principal Partner, Baxi, proudly sit on the chest.
Check out the launch video for our new away kit, featuring local artistic project Mount St. Helen performing a stunning orchestral rendition of Foals' What Went Down.
