Sunderland vs Oxford United
2nd April 1500hrs
Football – England – EFL League One
Pick Home Win -1
Bookmaker Unibet
Odds: 13/5 odds taken 1700 GMT, Thursday 1 April
Lee Johnson’s Sunderland entertain Karl Robinson’s Oxford United at the Stadium of Light in a huge EFL League One fixture on Friday afternoon. The Black Cats are currently in third spot, two points behind second-place Peterborough United. As for the U’s, they are two points away from the play-offs in ninth. This is a massive fixture for both clubs, but will we see a winner on Wearside?
Table of Contents
Sunderland Preview – Black Cats to extend unbeaten run?
Sunderland are sitting pretty in third spot in the League One table. After a disappointing couple of seasons in the third tier, can the Black Cats finally win promotion back to the EFL Championship? Sunderland are two points away from Peterborough United, who sit second, with a game in hand.
Since arriving at the Stadium of Light, Lee Johnson has done a superb job. The former Bristol City manager has guided the club to 12 wins from 21 League One matches, losing just twice along the way. Johnson also steered Sunderland to EFL Trophy success at Wembley Stadium in mid-March.
Since a 2-1 loss at Shrewsbury Town in early February, Sunderland have gone on to win eight and draw two of their following ten League One games. Can they seal another priceless three points on Friday?
Oxford United Preview – Can the U’s shock the Championship chasers?
Oxford United were in stunning form at the end of 2020 and the start of 2021, winning nine league and cup matches in a row. However, Karl Robinson’s side have gone off the boil somewhat in recent weeks, losing three of their last five in League One.
Oxford kept their play-off dreams alive and kicking with an excellent win over Lincoln City last Friday. After two defeats in two, the victory was just what the doctor ordered for the Yellows. Goals from Anthony Forde and Matty Taylor did the trick in that one.
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On the whole, Oxford have been tough to beat on their travels, losing only three away games since October. However, two of those losses have come in their last two away fixtures, losing at Hull City and Northampton Town. United will be desperate to avoid another away defeat on Friday.
Sunderland vs Oxford United Betting Advice
Before Sunderland’s 1-0 win at the Kassam Stadium in February last season, the previous five meetings between the clubs had ended all square. The Black Cats also picked up a win at Oxford in the league this term, with Luke O’Nien and Lynden Gooch scoring in a 2-0 triumph.
Key Facts – Sunderland vs Oxford United Betting Tip
- Oxford have not beaten Sunderland since April 1994
- The Black Cats have won the last two meetings
- Sunderland are undefeated in ten games, winning eight and drawing two
Johnson is really starting to get the best out of this talented Sunderland team at just the right time. The Black Cats are on an excellent run of form, and the home side should seal a comfortable victory on Friday. Check out the solid price of 13/5 for the hosts to win -1.
Charlie Wyke has had a great season at the Stadium of Light so far. The 28-year-old has been in good form lately, netting 17 league and cup goals in 2021 alone. Back Wyke to notch anytime in this one at 11/10.
The best betting odds for Sunderland vs Oxford United
Sunderland to win: 19/20 at Bet365
Draw: 12/5 at Bet365
Oxford United to win: 3/1 at Bet365