Kassam Stadium
Tuesday 4 November, 7:45pm
The Yellows will look to build on the momentum from Saturday’s dramatic last-minute equaliser against Millwall as they prepare for a tough midweek clash with Stoke City.
Traffic Information
Roadworks on Grenoble Road will continue to cause restrictions for supporters travelling by car to the upcoming home game against Stoke City.
Plan ahead and get to the stadium early to make your matchday experience as smooth as possible.
Safety Warning
A pre-match light show will take place in the stadium bowl between 7:35pm – 7:45pm. Please be aware that this includes bright flashing lights. If you are sensitive to such effects, please take necessary precautions.
Form Guide - Snapshot
- Oxford United: W2 D1 L2 from the previous five games. After following up the win over Sheffield Wednesday with a hard-fought draw against Millwall, the U’s are showing that their positive football is starting to pay off.
- Stoke City: W3 D1 L1 in their last five. The Potters arrive at the Kassam full of confidence after Saturday’s emphatic 5–1 victory over Bristol City.
The Rivalry - A Quick Head-to-Head Check
The two sides don’t share an extensive history, having met just 21 times since their first encounter in January 1970. United hold the upper hand in those meetings, with nine wins, seven draws, and only five defeats.
Last season, the U’s earned a 1–0 victory at the Kassam courtesy of an Idris El Mizouni strike, before picking up a valuable point on the road with a goalless draw in the reverse fixture.
The Connections - Worn Both Badges
- Dave Kitson: The Kassam Stadium proved to be the final stop in a distinguished career for former Reading and Stoke City forward Dave Kitson. Joining Oxford United in June 2013, Kitson spent one season with the U’s in League Two, scoring four goals before retiring from professional football at the end of the campaign. The striker had earlier embarked on a spell at Stoke between 2008 and 2010, though he later admitted it was not the most memorable period of his career, registering five goals in 40 appearances.
- Michael Duberry: The centre-back began his career at Chelsea, making 115 appearances for the Premier League side between 1993 and 1999. Duberry joined Oxford United in June 2011 and went on to make 50 appearances before leaving the Club at the end of the 2012/13 season. He will be largely remembered by U’s fans for his remarkable performance in the 2–2 draw with Hereford United in January 2012, when he scored two own goals before netting a dramatic last-minute equaliser. Before his time at Oxford, Duberry captained Stoke City in the Championship between 2005 and 2007, making 95 appearances and scoring once.
- Dean Whitehead: Born in Abingdon, Dean Whitehead began his football journey with Abingdon Town before joining Oxford United as an apprentice. Rising through the ranks, he made his first-team debut in December 1999 and went on to make 122 appearances for the U’s, scoring nine goals. Whitehead later moved to Sunderland, where he became a firm fan favourite, before joining Stoke City in August 2009. During his time with the Potters, he made 160 appearances across the Premier League, UEFA Cup, FA Cup, and League Cup.
Flying High: What’s Behind Stoke City’s Early Season Form?
1) Stoke City manager Mark Robbins, formerly at the helm of Coventry City, has found an impressive balance in his squad, guiding a team that has scored freely while conceding fewer goals than any other side in the Sky Bet Championship so far this season.
2) Stoke typically line up with a back four that allows the right-back to push forward and support the attack, while the left-back stays deeper to guard against counter-attacks. Junior Tchamadeu, the 21-year-old Cameroon international, caused havoc down Bristol City’s left flank on Saturday and is expected to play a central role in Stoke’s attacking strategy against the U’s.
3) Having conceded just nine goals in the opening 13 games, Stoke boast the best defensive record in the Sky Bet Championship. The blend of experience from players like Aaron Creswell and Ben Wilmot, combined with the youthful energy and dynamism of Tchamadeu and Ashley Phillips, has forged a resilient defensive unit that is difficult for opponents to break down.
4) Stoke City goalkeeper Viktor Johansson has recorded the highest save percentage in the division this season. With an impressive 81.6% of shots saved, the Swedish international has proven to be a formidable last line of defence behind the back four.
Divin Mubama: The on-loan star driving Stoke's attack
The English forward, on loan from Premier League giants Manchester City, has made an impressive start to life in the Championship, netting five goals in the first 13 games of the season. He has also added two goals for the England U21 side since the campaign began.
His hat-trick in Saturday’s 5–1 demolition of Bristol City was of exceptional quality, combining poacher’s instinct with intelligent forward play, and has certainly caught the attention of other teams in the division. His assist for the third goal in that win also showed his ability to hold the ball up and link up with teammates to create goalscoring opportunities.
By the Numbers — Fast Facts
- Kick-off: Tuesday 4 November, 7:45pm at the Kassam Stadium.
- Recent form (last five): Oxford W2 D1 L2; Stoke City: W3 D1 L1.
- Goals: Oxford have scored 15 goals this season, Stoke have scored 18.
- Fun Fact: In the last ten fixtures kicking off at 7:45 pm at the Kassam, dating back to January 2024, Oxford have recorded five wins, two draws, and three defeats.
- Historic classics: Oxford 1-0 Stoke (14 September 2024); Oxford 5-1 Stoke (14 March 1998); Oxford 1-0 Stoke (6 November 1985)
- Top Goal scorers this season: Will Lankshear; Cam Brannagan (4 goals); Divin Mubama (5 goals).
Voices from the Camp:
Watch Gary Rowett and Greg Leigh's Press Conferences below:
TICKETS
Tickets for tonight's clash with Stoke City remain on sale with availability in all areas. Secure your seats for our first home league encounter under the lights in OX4 by:
- Clicking HERE
- Calling 01865 337 533
- Visiting the Ticket Office in person
RETAIL
The club shop will open at 11:00am on Tuesday, so pop in and browse the latest 2025/26 merchandise. This includes the newly released Manor leisure range. Please bear in mind that the shop will close when the match kicks off, and will not reopen after the full-time whistle tonight.
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.
