Third-placed Oxford United welcome sixth-placed Reading to OX4 for an exciting Thames Valley derby, with the U’s aiming to strengthen their position towards the top of the League One table.
REMEMBRANCE
Oxford United will mark its annual Remembrance fixture against Reading on Wednesday 4 November, paying tribute to all those who have served and sacrificed in the Armed Forces and supporting the Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal.
The Men's Team will wear special-edition Poppy shirts for the fixture. Following the match, the shirts will be signed by the players and auctioned, with all proceeds donated to the Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal.
A special pre-match card display will take place in the East Stand as the players emerge from the tunnel to mark our Remembrance fixture. To help maximise the impact of the display, all Season and Match Ticket Holders in the East Stand are asked to be in their seats by 7:30pm. We ask all supporters in the East Stand to raise the card attached to their seat as the players are about to walk out, creating a special tribute to mark the occasion.
For more information about the proceedings on the night, please click the button below.
Supporters are also kindly reminded of the importance of behaving responsibly and respecting fellow supporters, staff and those working to ensure matchdays are safe and enjoyable for everyone.
TICKET OFFICE
The Ticket Office will be open from 10:00am through to kick-off on Wednesday.
CLUB SHOP
The Official Oxford United Club Shop is usually closed on Wednesdays but will be opening its doors from 4:00pm to 7:45pm ahead of the clash with Reading.
With our brand-new Autumn Winter 26 collection now available, supporters can pop into the shop before kick-off to browse the latest range and pick up some new United merchandise!
WHEN AND WHERE?
The match against the Royals takes place on Wednesday 4 November, kicking off at 7:45pm at the Kassam Stadium.
You can access our Matchday Guides by clicking the buttons below to discover all you need to know to ensure a smooth and enjoyable matchday experience.
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 and notifications via the Official Oxford United App, as well as the key moments on X and Instagram: @OUFCOfficial.
GET TO KNOW OUR OPPONENTS
Founded in 1871, Reading Football Club are one of the oldest clubs in English football, with a proud history spanning more than 150 years. Nicknamed the Royals, Reading have enjoyed considerable success over the years, most notably winning the Championship title on two occasions, in 2005/06 and 2011/12, securing promotion to the Premier League in both campaigns. The Berkshire club are now looking to return to the higher divisions after several challenging seasons, having finished 12th in League One last term.
Reading have made an encouraging start to the 2026/27 campaign and arrive in Oxford sitting sixth in League One, with 22 points from their opening 13 matches. They have won six, drawn four and lost three, scoring 25 goals while conceding just 13. Striker Jack Marriott has been particularly influential, leading the club's scoring charts with eight league goals. Recent victories over MK Dons (5-1), Leyton Orient (1-0) and Barnsley (2-1) highlight the attacking threat they possess, making the Royals a formidable opponent for the Yellows.
Reading are managed by Leam Richardson, who was appointed in October 2025 following the departure of Noel Hunt. The 46-year-old brings plenty of experience in the EFL, having previously taken charge of Accrington Stanley, Wigan Athletic and Rotherham United. His standout achievement came at Wigan, where he guided the Latics to the League One title in the 2021/22 season, earning promotion to the Championship and being named EFL League One Manager of the Season. Richardson also enjoyed promotion success as assistant manager at Portsmouth and Wigan, working alongside Paul Cook. Known for his demanding approach, emphasis on hard work and desire to build a strong team culture, Richardson now has the task of leading Reading's ambitions to return to the Championship.
HOW ARE THE YELLOWS SHAPING UP?
The Yellows will be looking to bounce back from their draw against Barnsley at the weekend and return to winning ways in front of a packed Kassam Stadium. Despite claiming a point from the 1-1 draw, Ramsey and his side were left frustrated at not taking all three, and will be determined to put on a performance against their local rivals and give the home supporters plenty to cheer about.
The result did, however, extend United’s unbeaten run in League One to nine matches, highlighting the excellent form they have been in. Reading also arrive in OX4 full of confidence, having lost just one of their last eight fixtures. With both sides enjoying strong spells of form, Ramsey’s team know they will need to be at their very best if they are to come out on top.
Reading have averaged less than 50% possession in the league this season, while United have established themselves as one of the division's strongest sides when it comes to controlling the ball. Ramsey will therefore be keen to see his team dominate possession, dictate the tempo and impose themselves on the game going forward. There is also plenty at stake in the league table, with victory potentially taking the Yellows level on points with second-placed Stockport County, with a game still in hand.
WHO COULD PROVE TO BE THE KEY MEN FOR EACH TEAM?
Aidomo Emakhu could prove to be a key figure for the Yellows on Wednesday night. The former Millwall winger offers pace, directness and real attacking threat in wide areas, with his ability to take on defenders and drive towards goal providing United with another dimension going forward. Despite having to be patient for regular opportunities following his arrival, Emakhu has shown a willingness to get shots away, registering 17 attempts in his six League One appearances so far this season. After a frustrating spell out with injury, Emakhu has returned to the side in the last two weeks and registered an important assist for Mark Harris' goal at Barnsley on Saturday. The 23-year-old will be eager to continue his impressive form since his return, and his pace and ability to create problems for opposition defenders could be particularly important against a Reading side that may park players behind the ball and look to frustrate the home side.
One man that is starting to hit top form is Reading striker Kyreece Lisbie. The young striker has five goals and four assists so far this season, including a match-winning brace in the Royals' victory over Barnsley a couple of weeks ago. His pace, direct running and eye for goal make him a real threat in the final third, while his ability to create opportunities for teammates means United will need to be alert to the danger he poses.
TEAM NEWS
Aaron Ramsey has confirmed that skipper Cam Brannagan and defender Ciaron Brown are fit and ready to return to the side following their absence from the draw with Barnsley at the weekend.
Jamie Cumming will miss the game following his red card at the weekend, and it is likely that Simon Eastwood will make his return between the sticks.
For the visitors, leading scorer Jack Marriott returned to the pitch at the weekend following recent injury problems and is in contention to play from the start on Wednesday night.
Paddy Lane, George Earthy and Benn Ward are again expected to miss out through injury whilst Charlie Savage is pushing to start having made several appearances from the substitutes bench this season.
PRE-MATCH PRESS CONFERENCES
You can watch the full Press Conferences of United Head Coach Aaron Ramsey and captain Cam Brannagan by clicking the buttons below.
Cam Brannagan Press Conference
PREVIOUS MEETING & HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORD
Oxford United were forced to settle for a point the last time these two sides met, as the Thames Valley derby finished 1-1 in February 2024. In front of a sell-out crowd, the Yellows started brightly and deservedly took the lead after 32 minutes when Mark Harris converted Cameron Brannagan’s cutback from close range, following excellent work down the right-hand side from Tyler Burey. United went into the break with a deserved advantage but were unable to maintain their momentum after the restart as Reading grew into the contest.
The visitors eventually found an equaliser with 14 minutes remaining, when substitute Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan drove into the box and his dangerous cross was inadvertently turned into his own net by Ciaron Brown. Despite late efforts from Rúben Rodrigues, Oxford could not find a winner and had to settle for a share of the spoils.
Last Five Matches | ||
Date | Result | Score |
3 February 2024 | D | Oxford United 1-1 Reading |
12 December 2023 | D | Reading 1-1 Oxford United |
25 August 2004 | L | Oxford United 0-2 Reading |
24 September 2003 | L | Oxford United 1-3 Reading |
17 April 2001 | L | Oxford United 0-2 Reading |
WHICH KIT WILL UNITED BE WEARING?
The boys will be wearing the 2026/27 home kit for Wednesday evening's match. Not got yours yet? Click the button below to browse on our online shop.
CARFAX COLLECTION
With winter approaching and temperatures beginning to drop, now is the perfect time to wrap up warm in some Oxford United gear - and the Carfax Collection has everything you need.
Worn by the Men's First Team players as they arrive at the stadium on matchdays, the collection features a range of stylish and comfortable pieces, including jackets, gilets, sweatshirts and jogging bottoms.
Stay warm and show your support in style this winter.
Barnsley 1-1 Oxford United
Watch the match highlights from the weekend's game against Barnsley.
