The Emirates FA Cup returns to OX4 as Oxford United welcome fellow League One outfit Stevenage in the First Round.
WHEN AND WHERE?
The match against Stevenage takes place on Saturday 7 November, kicking off at 3:00pm 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?
Due to being an FA Cup game, there is no live streaming available.
If you are unable to make it to the game, 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.
CATERING
We wish to advise supporters that there will be no external catering vans around the Kassam Stadium. The kiosks inside the stadium will be open as normal.
GET TO KNOW OUR OPPONENTS
Stevenage FC, nicknamed the Boro, have a proud history dating back to 1976 and have established themselves as a competitive Football League club following their promotion to the EFL in 2010 and subsequent rise to League One. Known for their hardworking attitude, organisation and passionate support, Stevenage have built a reputation as a difficult side to play against.
In the 2026/27 season, they currently sit 16th in League One, with 16 points from 12 games. Their form has been somewhat inconsistent, with two wins, one draw and two defeats in their last five league matches. However, impressive victories over Wigan and Plymouth demonstrate their potential, while a recent 2-2 draw away at Leicester shows they can compete against strong opposition. With plenty of the season remaining, Stevenage will be looking to build consistency and climb the League One table.
The FA Cup provides Stevenage with an excellent opportunity to build momentum and find some consistency, particularly given the club's previous success in the competition. Their most memorable recent achievement came in 2023, when they produced a famous upset by defeating Premier League side Aston Villa 2-1 at Villa Park to reach the Fourth Round, a result that remains one of the greatest in the club's history. The Boro also enjoyed an impressive cup run in 2012, reaching the Fifth Round after securing a notable away victory against Reading, before eventually being knocked out by Premier League opposition in Tottenham Hotspur. These achievements will provide plenty of inspiration as Stevenage look to create more FA Cup memories this season.
HOW ARE THE YELLOWS SHAPING UP?
Wednesday night's emphatic victory over local rivals Reading provided a memorable evening for the Yellows, with a packed-out Kassam Stadium creating a fantastic atmosphere from start to finish. Aaron Ramsey's side will be keen to carry that momentum into the weekend, along with the confidence gained from their impressive 10-game unbeaten run in the league. However, following the demands of Wednesday night's fixture, some changes to the starting XI are expected as the squad is rotated.
A home tie against fellow League One opposition, whom Oxford have already beaten once this season, presents an excellent opportunity to secure a place in the Second Round. Given their recent performances and current run of form, the Yellows will approach the fixture with confidence and will be optimistic of progressing, regardless of any changes made to the team.
WHO COULD PROVE TO BE THE KEY MEN FOR EACH TEAM?
After consistently making a big impact from the bench this season, Gatlin O'Donkor is likely to be in from the start this weekend and will be high in confidence after his terrific goal in midweek. The 22-year-old also nodded the ball across the box for Mo Missanga to smartly turn the ball home to secure the win on Wednesday, and that assist meant O'Donkor now has four goals and two assists to his name this season, averaging a goal every 90 minutes.
O'Donkor offers United pace, power and a direct attacking threat. His greatest strengths are his ability to run in behind defences, stretch opposition backlines and use his physicality to hold up the ball and bring others into play. He is also willing to work hard out of possession, pressing defenders and making life difficult for opponents. He will be keen to maintain or improve his excellent scoring record so far this season.
Veteran striker Josh Magennis continues to defy his age at 36, leading the line effectively and proving to be an important figure in Stevenage's attack this season. The former Exeter City, Wigan Athletic, Hull City and Charlton Athletic forward has made an impressive start to life with the Boro, contributing three goals and four assists since arriving in the summer. His experience, physical presence and attacking contributions have made him a valuable asset to the side.
Magennis brings a wealth of experience, physicality and a strong aerial presence to the Stevenage attack. Standing at 6ft 2in, the Northern Ireland international is particularly effective at holding the ball up, bringing teammates into play and providing a focal point in the final third. His strength and ability to compete in the air make him a difficult opponent for defenders, while his intelligent movement and eye for goal offer a consistent attacking threat. He also possesses excellent experience at both club and international level, making him a valuable presence in the dressing room as well as on the pitch.
PRE-MATCH PRESS CONFERENCES
You can watch the full Press Conferences of United Head Coach Aaron Ramsey and goalkeeper Simon Eastwood by clicking the buttons below.
Simon Eastwood Press Conference
PREVIOUS MEETING & HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORD
Oxford United secured an important 2-1 victory away at Stevenage in August, with second-half goals from Gatlin O'Donkor and Cameron Brannagan sealing all three points for the Yellows. After a goalless first half, Aaron Ramsey's substitutions made an immediate impact, with O'Donkor heading home just two minutes after coming off the bench. Oxford continued to look the more threatening side and doubled their advantage in the 87th minute when O'Donkor was brought down inside the box, allowing Brannagan to confidently convert from the penalty spot. Stevenage's Jordan Roberts grabbed a late consolation in stoppage time, but it was not enough to deny Oxford a deserved away victory and Aaron Ramsey his first win in charge of the club.
Last Five Matches | ||
Date | Result | Score |
22 August 2026 | W | Stevenage 1-2 Oxford United |
19 April 2024 | D | Oxford United 1-1 Stevenage |
30 September 2023 | W | Stevenage 1-3 Oxford United |
5 October 2010 | L | Oxford United 1-2 Stevenage |
29 August 2017 | W | Stevenage 2-6 Oxford United |
WHICH KIT WILL UNITED BE WEARING?
The boys will be wearing the 2026/27 home kit for Saturday's match. Not got yours yet? Click the button below to browse on our online shop.
Autumn Winter 26
With winter approaching and temperatures beginning to drop, now is the perfect time to wrap up warm in some Oxford United gear - and the new AW26 collection could be what you need.
The collection features a selection of hoodies, quarter zips, rugby sweatshirts, T-shirts and polos, offering supporters a variety of ways to represent the U’s away from the pitch.
Stay warm and show your support in style this winter.
Oxford United 2-0 Reading
Relive that incredible night on Wednesday by watching the match highlights.
