Bramall Lane
Tuesday 3 February, 7:45pm
The U’s head to Sheffield on Tuesday night determined to bounce back from their weekend defeat to Birmingham City. Matt Bloomfield will be hoping for a repeat of the impressive recent away performance at Leicester City.
Form Guide - Snapshot
- Oxford United: W1 D2 L2 from the previous five games. Matt Bloomfield’s tenure at Oxford United has begun positively, with just one defeat in his first four matches in charge. However, Saturday’s loss presents his first test of responding to a setback at the Club. Having shown greater defensive solidity so far, the U’s will take confidence from the prospect of repeating their heroics at Leicester City.
- Sheffield United: W2 D1 L2 in their last five. The Blades currently sit 17th in the EFL Sky Bet Championship and have recovered well from a difficult start to the season. Chris Wilder's side come into this one having drawn away to Millwall and beaten Ipswich at home in the last two, so will play with plenty of confidence.
The Rivalry - A Quick Head-to-Head Check
Earlier this season, Sheffield United left the Kassam Stadium with all three points despite a strong showing from the Yellows, with Callum O’Hare’s second-half strike proving decisive.
Oxford United’s most recent victory over the Blades came in April 2025, when Siriki Dembélé’s solitary goal played a key role in helping the U’s cement their Championship status.
To find Oxford’s last win at Bramall Lane, you have to go back to 1999, when goals from Nicky Banger and Andy Thomson sealed a 2–1 victory in the old Second Division.
The Key Battles: Where This Game Could Be Won And Lost
- Stopping Callum O'Hare: The former Aston Villa and Coventry City playmaker has contributed eight goals and five assists this season and is often a key influence in Sheffield United’s attack from the number 10 role. Comfortable operating in tight spaces and between the lines, this is a fixture that could be well suited to his strengths.
- Patrick Bamford vs Ciaron Brown: After missing the weekend’s draw at Millwall through suspension, the experienced Patrick Bamford will be eager to return to the side and back among the goals. With 99 goals across the Premier League and Championship, and six already this season since signing in November, his influence has been invaluable in Sheffield United’s climb up the table. He is likely to come up against Northern Ireland international Ciaron Brown, who has looked back to his best under Bloomfield so far, setting up an intriguing physical battle between two seasoned competitors.
- Supplying Will Lankshear: The on-loan Tottenham striker has already shown his finishing prowess this season, scoring seven goals in all competitions. Blessed with strong hold-up play and an ability to bring others into the game, he is also a natural poacher who thrives on quality service. If the likes of Cam Brannagan, Myles Peart-Harris and Stan Mills can deliver crosses into dangerous areas, Lankshear will back himself to find the net.
Team News From Both Camps
Oxford United will continue to be without Tyler Goodrham, Hidde ter Avest and Nik Prelec, while Jamie Donley has returned to training and could re-join the matchday squad within the next couple of weeks.
Matt Bloomfield will have Christ Makosso available to make his debut, while Deadline Day signings Ruben Roosken and Aidomo Emakhu will join up with the squad for the first time later this week. Bloomfield will also be hopeful that Jack Currie and Jin Woo Jeon are fit enough to feature in the squad.
Sheffield United remain without Jairo Riedewald and Jamie Shackleton, with Sam McCallum and Tom Davies also ruled out after picking up injuries at the weekend.
Harrison Burrows is expected to deputise for McCallum at the back, while captain Japhet Tanganga returns from suspension and is back in contention, alongside Djibril Soumaré and striker Patrick Bamford.
Steel City Test: Inside Sheffield United
1) After losing their opening six matches, Chris Wilder has done an impressive job steering the club clear of relegation danger. For the remainder of the season, the Blades’ objective will be to secure a top-half finish, with a late push for the play-offs looking unlikely at this stage.
2) Boasting the fourth-youngest squad in the Championship, their approach is defined by an aggressive, high-intensity style in the final third, both in and out of possession. Wilder demands midfield dominance through physicality and energy, using it as the foundation for sustained attacking pressure.
3) Sheffield United have collected the fewest yellow cards in the division this season (39), underlining their excellent discipline.
McDonnell's Growing Influence
Since joining Oxford United in January from Nottingham Forest, 21-year-old Jamie McDonnell has quickly begun to make his presence felt in midfield. Although still early in his Championship career, McDonnell brings significant senior experience from productive loan spells in lower leagues, including 25 games and two goals for Mansfield Town and 32 league appearances for Colchester United, where he was named Young Player of the Year.
His ability to win duels, break up play and transition possession has already drawn praise from supporters and pundits alike, and his assured performances so far suggest he could become a key figure in Bloomfield’s midfield as the season progresses.
By the Numbers — Fast Facts
- Kick-off: Tuesday 3 February, 7:45pm at Bramall Lane.
- Recent form (last five): Oxford United W1 D2 L2; Sheffield United : W2 D1 L2.
- Goals: Oxford United have scored 27 goals this season, Sheffield United have scored 40.
- Fun Fact: Sheffield United were the first English club to use United in their name, founded in 1889.
- Historic classics: Oxford United 1-0 Sheffield United (5 April 2025); Sheffield United 1-2 Oxford United (26 March 1999); Oxford United 4-1 Sheffield United (14 December 1996); Oxford 5-1 Sheffield United (20 October 1984)
- Played for both teams (Years at Oxford United): George Baldock (2015-2016); Samir Carruthers (2018-2019); Ben Davies (2015-present); Geoff Denial (1955-1963); Bobby Ford (1992-1997 & 2002-2003); Marvin Johnson (2016-2017); Dave Kitson (2013-2014); John Lundstram (2015-2017); Alex Matos (2025); Matt Phillips (2024-2026); Dean Saunders (1987-1988).
- Top Goal scorers this season: Will Lankshear (6 goals); Callum O'Hare (8 goals).
Voices From The Camp:
Watch the Press Conference of Matt Bloomfield Below:
RETAIL
With January behind us and February in full swing, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner! If you’re hunting for the perfect gift for that special someone, we’ve got you covered. From thoughtful keepsakes to show-stopping treats, there’s something to make them feel special. Click HERE to explore our Valentine’s collection and find the perfect way to surprise your loved one!
COMING UP
February is set to be a packed month for Oxford United, with the Men’s team taking on seven thrilling fixtures across the Sky Bet Championship and Emirates FA Cup. There’s plenty of action for the Women’s team and Under-18s too, with crucial cup ties on the horizon.
The Under-18s welcome Manchester United to the Kassam Stadium for an exciting FA Youth Cup clash, while Oxford United Women face Charlton Athletic as they aim to secure a spot in the quarter-finals of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup for the first time.
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 Bramall Lane! Click the arrow below to explore travel info, stadium facilities, and top tips provided by Sheffield United 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.
