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Oxford United lock horns with Middlesbrough as matchday 16 of the EFL Championship beckons on Saturday. The two sides are in opposite halves of the points table.
Gary Rowett's Oxford are fresh off a 2-1 loss at West Bromwich Albion a fortnight ago. The visitors took the lead through Will Lankshear in the 54th minute, but West Brom scored twice in the next 16 minutes - including an own goal - to take the three points.
Following a second straight defeat, the U's are hovering just above the drop zone, in 21st place, with 13 points from 15 outings, winning three. Only two other teams have won fewer than Oxford, with both in the relegation zone.
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Meanwhile, Rob Edwards' Middlesbrough are coming off a 2-1 home win over Birmingham City two weeks ago. Boro broke the deadlock through Dael Fry after 17 minutes before Birmingham equalised through Demarai Gray 12 minutes later.
However, the hosts went back in front through a Hayden Hackney strike on the cusp of half-time and held on for the win. Snapping a three-game winless run - losing one - Boro are up to second in the standings, with 29 games from 15 matches, winning eight.
On that note, here's a look at the head-to-head stats and key numbers, match prediction, and betting tips for the Oxford-Middlesbrough Championship skirmish at Kassam Stadium.
Oxford United vs Middlesbrough head-to-head stats and key numbers
- In 29 meetings across competitions, Middlesbrough lead Oxford 18-5, winning their last matchup 2-1 at home in the Championship in March.
- Boro are unbeaten in 11 games in the fixture, winning nine, including the last six.
- Oxford have won twice in nine games across competitions this season, including once in six league outings.
- Boro have won once in their last six road games - all in the Championship - losing twice.
- Form guide (last five games across competitions, most recent result first): Oxford: L-L-D-W-L; Middlesbrough: W-D-L-D-W
Oxford United vs Middlesbrough prediction
The two sides have had markedly different starts to the season. While Boro led the standings early on and are back in title reckoning after a minor blip, Oxford have had a tough start to life in their second straight season in the Championship in two decades.
In terms of the head-to-head record, Boro have dominated the rivalry, not losing in 11 games since a 3-1 Division Two away defeat in February 1990. While Boro's road form this season has been patchy, considering their dominance in the fixture, expect them to register a win and remain in touch with leaders Coventry.
Prediction: Oxford United 1-2 Middlesbrough
Oxford United vs Middlesbrough betting tips
Tip-1: Middlesbrough to win
Tip-2: Both sides to score (Both teams have netted in their last nine meetings.)
Tip-3: Over 1.5 goals (Their last nine matchups have had at least two goals.)
