admin“Need to improve quickly”: Oxford United vs Middlesbrough predictions
Middlesbrough travel to Oxford United this weekend as they look to continue their promotion push as they close in on a new manager.
Middlesbrough have had a brilliant season so far, however were dealt a cruel blow before the international break. Head Coach Rob Edwards left the club to join Premier League Wolves just a few months after he joined Boro.
They are yet to officially hire his replacement, but it looks set to be Swedish boss Kim Hellberg after he turned down an approach from Swansea City. It is reported that Boro are simply awaiting him to be granted a work permit before confirming his appointment.
That will likely leave Adi Viveash in charge of the club once again this weekend. He oversaw his side’s 2-1 win over Birmingham City before the international break, leaving Boro in 2nd place after 15 games.
Oxford United on the other hand are not having a great campaign. The U’s sit just above the relegation zone on 13 points after 15 games.
With the likes of Sheffield United and Norwich City both below OUFC, and likely to improve as the season goes on, it is worrying times for the club. Recent form is not on their side either, with just one win in their last five games.
Oxford United went into the break off the back of two straight defeats. A 2-1 away defeat to West Brom followed a humbling 3-0 loss at home to high-flying Stoke City.
Here, a handful of our writers make their predictions for the game…
Charlie Hodgson
“Middlesbrough come into this game as massive favourites. However, despite their impressive start to the year, their recent away form has not been great, with a defeat to Watford and an uninspiring draw at Leicester City.
“Oxford United though need to improve quickly. In my opinion, they are in a lot of trouble this season with the sides around them all looking significantly stronger on paper.
“With that said, I think Middlesbrough will take the three points from this one. Their players have a new manager to impress and will be determined to keep building despite Edwards moving on.”
Prediction: Oxford United 0-2 Middlesbrough
James Ray
“Oxford United are carrying on from last season a bit. They’ve shown they can fight valiantly and battle their way to results, but form will not be strong enough to lift them far away from the drop zone I feel.
“Against high-flying sides like Middlesbrough, they have to lean on their experience and structure to grind out points.
“Boro maintained confidence with a win over Birmingham City despite the managerial uncertainty before the break. Kim Hellberg likely won’t be in charge here, but after one win under Adi Viveash against a tougher opponent, they will be confident of another here.
“I’ll be backing an away win.”
Prediction: Oxford United 1-2 Middlesbrough
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