Oxford United have a chance to advance into the third round of the EFL Cup for the first time since 2019-20 when they host Crystal Palace at Kassam Stadium on Tuesday with kickoff at 9:45 pm.
After scoring all of their goals in the second half of matches in their first five league games, Oxford United have conceded a goal in each of their last three Premier League matches. They answered Morecambe’s opener from Jensen Weir within eight minutes of kickoff. However, they were left to rue several missed chances in the second half as they had ten efforts on target and 66% of the possession but could only manage a 1-1 draw.
So far domestically, they have had plenty of the ball, gaining more than 50% possession in four of their five league fixtures but have not been able to do much with that, scoring a goal or fewer in each of those encounters.
Crystal Palace has improved its Premier League form after a slow start. On Saturday, they defeated Aston Villa 3-0 in the second round of the Carabao Cup. It was a tough draw for Palace, who have been knocked out at this stage three times in a row, losing on penalties to Colchester United and Bournemouth and conceding an 86th-minute goal to Watford last season.
Oxford United vs. Crystal Palace Head to Head
Both sides have two games against each other, with host winless while the visitors with two wins. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Oxford United 1-1 Morecambe
- Oxford United 1-2 Lincoln City
- Bristol Rovers 1-0 Oxford United
- Oxford United 2-2 Swansea
Away
- Crystal Palace 3-1 Aston Villa
- Liverpool 1-1 Crystal Palace
- Crystal Palace 0-2 Arsenal
- Crystal Palace 4-2 Montpellier
Oxford United Team News
In their first-round match-up, Oxford United erased a two-goal deficit to take a 2-1 win on the road against Swansea City. Goalkeeper Edward McGinty made five saves in the shootout before Cameron Brannagan sealed the deal for the U’s.
Crystal Palace Team News
Wilfried Zaha scored twice in Palace’s 3-2 victory over Cardiff City on Saturday and provided one assist, while Jean-Philippe Mateta added the other goal. Newcomer Chris Richards came as a substitute in that match, replacing Eberechi Eze in the second half.
Prediction and Odds
Oxford has proven they can compete in elimination games, but Luton has a few attackers of the highest quality who Viera may bring on if Oxford is holding firm.
- Away Win
- Goals Under 2.5
- Most Goals: 1H
