The Hawthorns
Saturday 8 November, 3:00pm
The Yellows travel to the West Midlands on Saturday afternoon to face West Bromwich Albion. Both sides will be eager to bounce back from midweek defeats in what promises to be an entertaining clash.
Form Guide - Snapshot
- Oxford United: W2 D1 L2 from the previous five games. While the score line on Tuesday wasn’t what Oxford had hoped for, the performance offered plenty of positives. Against second-placed Stoke, the Yellows created multiple clear chances, and if they can replicate that attacking threat on Saturday, goals are sure to follow.
- West Brom: W1 D1 L3 in their last five. The Baggies come into the game winless in their last four outings, having suffered late heartbreak away to Charlton last time out. However, their form at The Hawthorns has been strong this season, with just one defeat in six home matches.
The Rivalry - A Quick Head-to-Head Check
In the 25 games played between the two sides, dating back to the first meeting in 1973, Oxford United are unbeaten in over half of those fixtures.
The U’s most successful spell against this weekend’s opponents came in the late 1990s, when they recorded four consecutive victories between 1997 and 1999.
Last season, West Brom edged the meeting at The Hawthorns 2-0, while the reverse fixture at the Kassam finished level at 1-1.
The Connections - Worn Both Badges
- Matt Phillips: Oxford United’s Number 10 joined the club in August 2024, signing on a free transfer from this weekend’s opponents. Phillips made an immediate impact, scoring on his debut against Peterborough United in the League Cup less than two weeks later. The former England youth international has been sidelined through injury for the majority of the season so far but we look forward to seeing him back out on the pitch in yellow soon. Before arriving at Oxford, Phillips enjoyed an impressive eight-year spell with West Bromwich Albion, where he made 238 appearances across the Premier League and Sky Bet Championship, netting 31 goals in the navy blue and white.
- John Trewick: A key figure in Oxford United’s 1986 Milk Cup-winning side, the English left-back made over 100 appearances for the Club during his three years in yellow. His professional career began at West Brom in 1974, where he spent six years, featuring 96 times and representing the Baggies in both the First Division and the UEFA Cup.
Opposition Focus: An Insight Into West Brom's Tactics
1) Under the guidance of former England international Ryan Mason, West Brom have made a steady start to the 2025/26 campaign. Currently sitting 15th in the Sky Bet Championship, the Baggies are just five points adrift of the play-off places. With the stature and ambition of a Club like West Brom, a top-six finish will undoubtedly remain their target as the season progresses.
2) Albion typically line up with a traditional back four and two holding midfielders to provide defensive stability. With two natural wingers who stay wide and stretch play, West Brom look to pull opposition defences apart, creating space through the middle for the likes of Isaac Price and Josh Maja to exploit. Oxford will need to be alert to this threat if they are to keep the Baggies’ attacking unit quiet.
3) The Baggies’ main challenge this season has been in front of goal, having found the net just 12 times in their opening 14 fixtures. Their expected goals (xG) is the third lowest in the division, highlighting their struggle to convert chances into goals.
4) At the other end of the pitch, West Brom have shown real solidity, with only six teams in the division conceding fewer than their 15 goals so far. Their home form has been particularly impressive — the Baggies have lost just once in six outings at The Hawthorns, conceding only four goals on home soil. In fact, that defensive record is bettered by just one side in the league, Middlesbrough.
Isaac Price: Leading the Way for the Baggies
The 22-year-old Northern Ireland international has been a standout performer for West Brom this season, providing a consistent spark in midfield with five goals and an assist to his name. Operating primarily in the Number 10 role behind the front two, Price excels at finding pockets of space between the opposition’s midfield and defensive lines, allowing him to create and capitalise on goalscoring opportunities for both himself and his teammates.
A versatile and intelligent midfielder, Price has also demonstrated his ability to adapt across multiple positions while contributing defensively, making his all-round game a vital asset for the Baggies. Combine that with his sharp eye for goal, and he represents a real threat that Oxford United’s midfield and defence will need to be wary of.
Already the youngest player on record to reach ten international goals for Northern Ireland, Price’s quality and potential are clear for all to see.
By the Numbers — Fast Facts
- Kick-off: Saturday 8 November, 3:00pm at The Hawthorns.
- Recent form (last five): Oxford W2 D1 L2; West Brom: W1 D1 L3.
- Goals: Oxford have scored 15 goals this season, West Brom have scored 12.
- Fun Fact: U's striker Will Lankshear spent the second half of the 2024/25 season on loan at West Brom.
- Historic classics: Oxford 3-0 West Brom (29 September 1998); Oxford 2-1 West Brom (17 February 1998); West Brom 3-3 Oxford (21 December 1996)
- Top Goal scorers this season: Will Lankshear; Cam Brannagan (4 goals); Isaac Price (5 goals).
Voices from the Camp:
Watch Gary Rowett and Jamie Cumming's Press Conferences below:
RETAIL
Browse the latest 2025/26 merchandise, including the recently released Manor leisure range.
MATCHDAY GUIDES
Matchday Guide
Get ready for matchday at the Hawthorns!
Click the arrow below to explore travel info, stadium facilities, and top tips provided by West Brom for making the most of your day.
Stream LIVE On OUTV
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International fans can watch the game live, depending on their location. The match is streamable worldwide, except for the United Kingdom and Ireland.
