Oxford United vs Preston North End | Match Preview

Kassam Stadium
Saturday 13 December, 12:30pm

After gaining another point on the road on Tuesday night at Blackburn, Gary Rowett and his team will be looking to take all three points on home turf against Preston North End.

Christmas Extravaganza 2025

Oxford United's Christmas Extravaganza returns for 2025 this Saturday! We have a wide range of festive activities for all to enjoy, and you can find out what we have on offer by clicking HERE.

Form Guide - Snapshot

• Oxford United: W1 D3 L1 from the previous five games. Although the U’s will be disappointed not to have taken all three points in midweek, they can take encouragement from the resilience they’ve shown in recent performances. Following an impressive display and victory over Ipswich Town in their last home outing, the Yellows will feel confident about recreating those heroics once again.
• Preston North End: W1 D3 L1 in their last five. The Lilywhites head to the Kassam unbeaten in their last four away matches. Sitting fifth in the Sky Bet Championship, Preston will view this fixture as another chance to strengthen their grip on a play-off place.

The Rivalry - A Quick Head-to-Head Check

This is a fixture in which the Yellows have historically held the upper hand. Since the first meeting in February 1964, Oxford United have won 13 of the 27 encounters, with a further five ending in draws.

Last season, United took four of the six points available in this fixture. The U’s secured a 3–1 win at the Kassam thanks to goals from Mark Harris, Tyler Goodrham and Greg Leigh in the opening weeks of the 2024/25 campaign. This was followed up by a 1-1 draw at Deepdale in January.

Worn Both Badges: Players To Play For Both

• John Mousinho: Now Head Coach at Championship rivals Portsmouth, John Mousinho concluded his playing career at Oxford United. After joining in August 2017, he was swiftly named Club Captain and became an influential figure in the U’s push to the League One play-offs. Although injuries limited his appearances over his six seasons in OX4, he still amassed 150 games before transitioning into a player-coach role toward the end of his spell at the Club. Mousinho had earlier spent two years with Preston North End between 2012 and 2014, though loan spells at Gillingham and Stevenage restricted him to just 32 appearances for the Lilywhites.
• Ben Davies: After joining the U’s on loan from Rangers this summer, Davies made his third start for the Club in Tuesday’s draw at Blackburn Rovers. As the new year approaches, he will be hoping for a more consistent run in the side. The 30-year-old began his career at Preston, progressing through the academy from the age of 11 and going on to make 145 first-team appearances. He later signed for Liverpool, before further spells with Sheffield United, Birmingham, Rangers and now Oxford.
• Billy Bodin: Born in Swindon, Bodin's career has consisted of spells at several EFL teams, including Bristol Rovers, Swindon Town and Reading. He also played for both Oxford United and Preston North End. Bodin signed for Preston in January 2018 and featured 44 times in his three-and-a-half years there. Sadly, an ACL injury limited his playing time at the club. Bodin left Preston in June 2021 and signed for the Yellows. Bodin made 106 appearances and scored 25 goals, playing a crucial part in the promotion winning season in 2023/24.

Preston  North End: Pushing for the Play-Off's

1) Preston sit comfortably in fifth place after a strong run that has seen them lose just once in their last nine matches. Manager Paul Heckingbottom has built a squad with an impressive blend of youthful energy and seasoned experience, giving the Lilywhites both dynamism and stability.

2) Lining up with a back three and two wing-backs, Preston look to exploit the wide areas, pushing high to attack down the flanks and isolate opposition full-backs. Despite their impressive results, they sit 15th in the xG table - a sign of their clinical edge in front of goal, as they consistently make the most of the limited chances they create.

3) Preston’s defence has proven solid this season, conceding just 21 goals - the fourth fewest in the division - and keeping five clean sheets. Opponents have managed only 71 shots on target against them so far, the eighth lowest in the Championship.

4) One of the standout features of Preston’s strong season has been their dominance in the air. Leading the league with a 56.4% aerial duel success rate, they are highly effective in both attacking and defensive situations inside the box.

Lewis Dobbin: The On-Loan Star In Fine Form

On loan from Premier League side Aston Villa, Dobbin has been one of Preston's main attacking threats so far this season. With five goals and five assists in 17 games across all competitions this season, the 22-year-old forward has been difficult for opponents to handle.

This is largely thanks to his pace, directness and ability to trouble defenders in wide areas. He brings explosive speed and quick acceleration that stretches opposition backlines and gives Preston a potent outlet on the counter-attack. His sharp dribbling and close control make him dangerous in one-on-one situations, and his match-winning second-half display at Hillsborough a couple of weeks ago proved his comfort playing at this level. Dobbin’s versatility across the forward line and his willingness to drive at defenders have added an extra dimension to Preston’s attack this term. 

By the Numbers — Fast Facts

• Kick-off: Saturday 13 December, 12:30pm at the Kassam Stadium.
• Recent form (last five): Oxford W1 D3 L1; Preston North End W1 D3 L1.
• Goals: Oxford have scored 21 goals this season, Preston have scored 27.
• Fun Fact: Four of the last eight meetings between the two have ended goalless.
• Historic classics: Oxford 3-1 Preston (31 August 2024); Oxford 2-0 Ipswich (4 February 1984); Oxford 3-1 Preston (18 February 1970)
• Top Goal scorers this season: Will Lankshear (5 goals); Lewis Dobbin, Daniel Jebbison, Milutin Osmajic (4 goals).
• Played For Both Teams (Years at Oxford): Steve Basham (2002-2007); Colin Greenall (1988-1990); Todd Kane (2018); Josh Murphy (2022-2024); Darren Patterson (2001-2002)

Voices from the Camp: 

Watch Gary Rowett and Tyler Goodrham's Press Conferences below:

TICKETS

Tickets are still available for Saturday afternoon's clash with Preston North End. 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 Saturday, so be sure to stop by and check out the latest 2025/26 merchandise. This includes our full Christmas range - from festive jumpers to stocking fillers - with gifts for the whole family. All items are available both in-store and online!

You can shop online 24/7 HERE

Image

MATCHDAY GUIDES

• Matchday Guide HERE
• Disabled Supporters Guide HERE
• Away Supporters Guide HERE

MATCHDAY STREAMING

Oxford United Women's Christmas Fixture - This Weekend!

Oxford United Women face Plymouth Argyle in the Adobe Women’s FA Cup Third Round this Sunday, and it's set to be a real Christmas cracker!

Since Liam Gilbert’s return as Head Coach, the U’s have won three games from three, delivering performances every bit as impressive as the results.

Read the full match preview for all the key details HERE, and secure your tickets HERE. Your support could make all the difference!

Image

Relive the key moments from last season's victory over Preston North End!