The League One playoff semi-finals are heating up Oxford United goes to Weston Homes Stadium to compete Peterborough United in the second leg showdown.
With Oxford holding a narrow 1-0 lead from the first leg, there is a lot at stake for both teams.
Game preview
Peterborough suffered a 1-0 defeat in the first leg, risking a second consecutive playoff disappointment.
Despite the defeat, Posh were relieved to limit the deficit to one following their heavy 5-0 away defeat to Oxford last month.
Posh return to Weston Homes Stadium where they scored 55 goals in 23 home games to become the league’s top scorers.
In their last three home games they beat Port Vale 3-0, Fleetwood Town 4-1 and drew 3-3 with Bolton Wanderers.
In December’s home game against Oxford, Peterborough won 3-0 with Hector Kyprianou, Ricky-Jade Jones and Ryan De Havilland scoring.
Oxford head into Wednesday’s game with momentum having secured a place in the play-offs on the final day before winning the first leg against Peterborough.
Elliott Moorethe club’s captain, scored the decisive goal in the 53rd minute of the first leg.
Despite being leaders, the U’s will have to work hard to reach the playoff final for the first time since 2019/20.
Oxford are unbeaten in four away games, winning three, drawing one and conceding no more than one goal in each game.
Their chances of maintaining their lead could depend on being first to score, as they have not lost any of their 11 away league games in which they were first to score.
Team news and updates:
Peterborough cannot rely on injuries Jacob Wakeling And Jeando Fuchsalthough Fuchs could be available if they reach the playoff finals.
Come on, Poku is fighting for a starting spot after returning from an injury in the first leg.
Although he was substituted an hour ago in the first leg, Malik Mothersillewith three goals in the last two home games, could keep their place at the top.
Oxford manager Of Buckingham has no new injury concerns and will probably stick with the same line-up as in the first leg.
Welsh striker Mark Harris is expected to lead Oxford’s attack after scoring three goals in their last two away games.
Prediction and Analysis:
With Peterborough United’s attacking talent a threat, Oxford United’s strong defensive record away from home could prove crucial.
Oxford’s unbeaten away streak suggests they have the resilience to fend off Posh and secure a draw that would see them progress to the play-off final at Wembley.
- Peterborough United 2-2 Oxford United