Statistical Preview: Sheffield United vs. Oxford United

Sheffield United’s four-match winning run concluded with a 2-2 draw against Coventry, where they played with 10 men, on Saturday. Despite this, they hold an equal points total with league leaders Leeds and second-ranked Sunderland. The Blades are set to host Oxford, a team that has secured only one victory in their last 11 matches (five draws, five losses). Oxford will be aiming to recover from a significant 6-2 home loss to Middlesbrough. This upcoming fixture marks the initial league encounter between Sheffield United and Oxford United since the 2016-17 League One season. During that campaign, the Blades emerged victorious in both matches, securing a 2-1 win at home and a 3-2 win away. Oxford has been defeated in nine of their previous 12 away league fixtures when playing Sheffield United (with two wins and one draw). Furthermore, they have failed to achieve a clean sheet at Bramall Lane across 13 attempts. Sheffield United has secured victories in their last six home league matches, preventing opponents from scoring in each. The Blades’ most recent longer winning streak at home occurred in March 2019, when they achieved eight consecutive wins. Oxford currently holds the distinction of having accumulated the fewest Championship points away from home this season, with a total of 2 points (two draws, five losses). They have also not scored in their last two away matches. In their last seven Championship encounters with newly promoted teams, Sheffield United has suffered only one defeat, registering four wins and two draws. This season, they have maintained clean sheets in both such fixtures: a 1-0 victory against Derby and a 0-0 draw with Portsmouth.