Kassam Stadium
Friday 26 December, 3:00pm
It's a sell-out at the Kassam Stadium for our Boxing Day fixture against Southampton, and the team will need the support more than ever as they look to improve their recent run of form.
Football Special Buses
All Football Special Buses will be running as normal.
Form Guide - Snapshot
- Oxford United: W1 D1 L3 from the previous five games. The last couple of weeks have seen the team narrowly beaten by a single goal, so the mission is to remain competitive and cut out the errors leading to defeats. A home fixture in front of a sell-out crowd on Boxing Day represents a good opportunity to start heading in the right direction.
- Southampton: W2 D2 L1 in their last five. The Saints head to OX4 sat in 11th place in the Sky Bet Championship, knowing a win would close the gap on those in the play-off spots.
The Rivalry - A Quick Head-to-Head Check
Meetings between these two sides have been rare. While Southampton have historically held the upper hand in this fixture, this will be their first encounter since 1996, rendering the head-to-head record largely irrelevant heading into the weekend.
You would have to go back to New Year's Day 1987 for the last time Oxford were victorious against the Saints. Ray Houghton, John Aldridge and Billy Whitehurst scored in a 3-1 win at the Manor Ground.
Southampton: Aiming For a Swift Return to The Top Flight
1) Relegated from the Premier League last season, Southampton started the 2025/26 campaign as red-hot favourites to gain promotion back to the top flight at the first time of asking. However, it hasn't been plain sailing for the Saints so far and form has been very up and down. They currently sit in 11th spot in the table, knowing a string of positive results will likely see them in the play-off spots come the new year.
2) More often than not, Southampton boss Tonda Eckert sets his side up in a 3-4-2-1 formation, prioritising strength in midfield in order to build the attack. The likes of Ryan Manning will provide width down the flanks as a versatile wing-back, and will attempt to get the ball into the box as often as possible.
3) The Saints boast the division’s second-highest goal tally with 36 strikes so far. They also rank second for expected goals, trailing only Coventry City, and are led by the league’s top scorer, Adam Armstrong.
Adam Armstrong: Goals, Goals, Goals
The 28-year-old is having an outstanding season in front of goal. He has been central to Southampton’s attacking threat this season alongside summer signing Finn Azaz, and their combination play is proving difficult for opponents to deal with. His sharp movement off the ball, intelligent pressing, and instinctive finishing make him a constant problem for defenders. Equally effective running in behind or finding space in the box, Armstrong’s pace and composure have underpinned his status as the league’s leading goal scorer and a key figure in the Saints’ promotion push.
By the Numbers — Fast Facts
- Kick-off: Friday 26 December, 3:00pm at the Kassam Stadium.
- Recent form (last five): Oxford W1 D1 L3; Southampton W1 D3 L1.
- Goals: Oxford have scored 22 goals this season, Southampton have scored 36.
- Fun Fact: Four of the last eight meetings between the two have ended goalless.
- Historic classics: Oxford 3-1 Southampton (1 January 1987); Oxford 3-0 Southampton (26 December 1985)
- Top Goal scorers this season: Will Lankshear (5 goals); Adam Armstrong (11 goals)
- Played For Both Teams (Years at Oxford): Nicky Banger (1997-1999); David Connolly (2014); Trevor Hebberd (1982-1988); Joe Rothwell (2016-2018)
Voices from the Camp:
Watch Craig Short's Interview and Will Vaulks' Press Conference below:
RETAIL
The Club Shop opens at 10:00am on Friday, so be sure to stop by and check out the latest 2025/26 merchandise. Our Boxing Day Sales are LIVE and you can take a look at what is on offer by clicking the link below.
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.
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 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.
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.
