Kassam Stadium
Tuesday 21 April, 7:45pm
With just three games remaining, the Yellows know they could need maximum points in order to survive. Two crucial home fixtures over the coming week offer a prime opportunity to build momentum and secure the results needed to keep everything alive heading into the final day at Millwall. Attention first turns to Tuesday night, as Wrexham arrive at OX4 for a high-stakes clash with major implications at both ends of the Championship table.
Oxford United Celebrate 40 years since Milk Cup Glory
The Club wrote its name into football history on Sunday 20 April 1986, when Maurice Evans’ side defeated Queens Park Rangers 3-0 at Wembley Stadium to lift the Milk Cup, now known as the League Cup.
The anniversary matchday, celebrating the greatest achievement in Oxford United history, promises to be a landmark occasion, with members of the iconic 1985/86 squad in attendance as we recognise their unforgettable success.
In the lead-up to matchday and the anniversary, a range of initiatives and activities will take place to commemorate the milestone.
Form Guide - Snapshot (League form)
- Oxford United: W1 D2 L2 from the previous five games. Unbeaten in their last five outings at the Kassam Stadium, United will back themselves to respond to Saturday’s setback at Derby with a positive result against Wrexham. The U’s have also been formidable on home soil against the current top eight (W3 D4 L0), and will see Tuesday night as another opportunity to strengthen that impressive record.
- Wrexham: W2 D2 L1 in their last five. Sitting two points behind Hull City in the race for the final play-off place, Phil Parkinson’s side know victory here could prove pivotal in keeping their Premier League hopes on track. However, after failing to win either of their last two away outings, they will need to raise their level if they are to come away with all three points.
The Rivalry - A Quick Head-to-Head Check
Wrexham's narrow 1-0 victory in the reverse fixture earlier this season was the first meeting between the two sides in over a decade, and games between these two Clubs have been few and far between. Nathan Broadhead's early goal was all there was to separate the two back in October.
Prior to that game, United had won the previous four meetings on a stretch between 2009 and 2013, with the most memorable being a 2-1 FA Cup win thanks to a goal from U's legend James Constable.
The overall head-to head record, stretching back to 1964, looks like this:
- Oxford United have won 7 games
- Wrexham have won 11 games
- The teams have drawn 8 times
The Key Battles: Where This Game Could Be Won And Lost
- The fortress Kassam?: The U’s have made a habit of rising to the occasion at home, going unbeaten against the current top eight this season, with impressive victories over the likes of Ipswich Town, Southampton and Derby County. There is little sense of intimidation at OX4, backed by a strong home crowd, they believe they can go toe-to-toe with anyone in the division. Wrexham, meanwhile, have shown signs of vulnerability on their travels, conceding in five of their last six away matches, a record that suggests there may be opportunities to exploit defensively.
- A lot at stake for both clubs: While Wrexham continue their push for a fourth consecutive promotion, along with a historic first season in the Premier League, the U’s have ambitions of their own, making this a potentially pivotal clash for both sides. As the match unfolds, it could open up significantly, particularly if each team begins to chase a decisive winner in the latter stages.
- Stan Mills vs Callum Doyle: Mills has established himself as one of the Championship’s most dangerous wingers, consistently beating his man, driving to the byline, and delivering threatening balls into the box. This time, however, he faces a stern challenge in one of Wrexham’s most dependable performers. At just 22, Doyle has enjoyed an exceptional second half of the season at left-back, and his all-round ability, both defensively and in attack, should make this a compelling battle on the flank.
Team News From Both Camps
The headline injury news for United is that winger Przemysław Płacheta has been ruled out for the remainder of the campaign with a hamstring injury.
Otherwise, there are no fresh injury concerns following Saturday's game at Derby County.
Unavailable: Tyler Goodrham, Brian De Keersmaecker, Greg Leigh, Przemysław Płacheta
Meanwhile, Josh Windass and Sam Smith seem likely to start in attack for Wrexham after Parkinson switched to a front two versus Stoke.
Although there will be a temptation to introduce fresh legs, Lewis O'Brien, Nathan Broadhead and Kieffer Moore may all remain on the substitutes' bench.
Unavailable: Liberato Cacace, Aaron James, Thomas O'Connor, Ben Sheaf, Zak Vyner
Wrexham Aiming To Write Names Into History Books
1) Under the ownership of American celebrities Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac, the small Club based in the North-East of Wales has become globally recognised by football lovers all over the world after recording three consecutive promotions from the National League to the Championship. Well documented in their Disney+ series, Welcome to Wrexham, their rise has made history and now they stand on the verge of a fourth consecutive promotion as never seen before, to play in the Premier League for the first time.
2) Phil Parkinson has done an excellent job in guiding the Club up the leagues since his appointment as manager in 2021. Vastly experienced across the football league with previous spells at Sunderland, Bolton Wanderers and Bradford City, Parkinson is used to winning and his teams work tirelessly on the pitch to get results.
3) Often playing in a system that sees two up top, Wrexham are happy to play long and direct into the forward. Welsh international Kieffer Moore is often the focal point of that approach, with his 6ft 5" frame often proving hugely difficult for opposing defenders to deal with. His game, or that of fellow forward Sam Smith, is complimented by the wing play at Wrexham's disposal in Issa Kabore and George Thomasson. They will get the ball into the box at almost every opportunity.
4) With 65 goals to their name in the Championship this season, Wrexham are the joint-fourth highest scorers. Josh Windass (13 goals) and Kieffer Moore (11 goals) have proved to be a constant threat as a duo throughout the campaign, and their link-up play could be the key for Wrexham unlocking United's defence.
Brown Leading From The Back
Ciaron Brown has been a vital figure in the Oxford United squad, offering consistency, composure and a real defensive edge. Comfortable both at centre-back and left-back, he brings valuable versatility, but it’s his defensive awareness and timing that stand out most, he reads the game well, makes crucial interceptions, and is rarely caught out of position.
Brown is also strong in one-on-one situations and reliable in the air, giving Oxford a solid foundation at the back. When he is likely to be locked in battle with Kieffer Moore on Tuesday evening, his strength in the air will certainly be required. Beyond his defensive qualities, he’s calm in possession and capable of progressing the ball effectively, helping the team build from deep. His work rate and commitment make him a dependable presence, and after missing the first nine games of the season through injury, he has then missed just nine minutes of action since.
By the Numbers — Fast Facts
- Kick-off: Tuesday 21 April, 7:45pm at Kassam Stadium .
- Recent form (last five): Oxford United W1 D2 L2; Wrexham: W2 D1 L2.
- Goals: Oxford United have scored 41 goals this season, Wrexham have scored 65 goals.
- Fun Fact: Four of the last five meetings between the two teams has ended with a 1-0 scoreline.
- Historic classics: Wrexham 1-2 Oxford United (9 December 2013); Oxford United 1-0 Wrexham (20 April 2010); Oxford United 1-0 Wrexham (11 April 2009)
- Top Goal scorers this season: Will Lankshear (9 goals); Josh Windass (13 goals).
Voices From The Camp:
Watch the Press Conferences of Matt Bloomfield and Stan Mills Below:
RETAIL
Our End of Season Sale is well and truly in full swing, and products are flying off the shelves!
Previously you were able to get yourself up to 40% off ALL Macron products...but now that has increased to a whopping 50%! Available in-store and online, including all three replica kits, training and warm up kit and more!
Be quick, once it's gone - it's gone!
Click here to explore the sale and discover the price reductions on offer!
The Milk Cup Collection
Celebrate the 40th anniversary of our Milk Cup triumph in style with our brand-new collection.
The range features retro-inspired garments, including a Tracksuit Top and Sweatshirt, alongside a selection of Milk Cup memorabilia such as a remake of the iconic Winners scarf, a commemorative Milk Bottle, and more.
Click here to browse the collection via our online Club shop.
COMING UP
Following the game against Wrexham, only ONE game remains at the Kassam Stadium for the 2025/26 season.
We all know how important these last few games could prove in determining our final league position for the 2025/26 campaign, and a sold-out home stadium can often prove the difference.
The players will be conducting a lap of appreciation after the full-time whistle and so we encourage all to stay once the match has concluded to show their appreciation for the squad's efforts this season.
All In. Together.
Tickets for these matches are available:
- By clicking HERE
- By calling 01865 337 533
- By visiting the Ticket Office in person
MATCHDAY GUIDES
Matchday Guide
Get ready for matchday at the Kassam Stadium! Click the arrow below to explore travel info, stadium facilities, and top tips for making the most of your day.
MATCHDAY STREAMING
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.
