Bramall Lane
Sunday 4 January, 12:00pm

Craig Short and his team head to Sheffield just a few days after their narrow New Year’s Day defeat to Ipswich Town, knowing a strong performance this weekend could give them a much-needed victory against Sheffield United.

Form Guide – Snapshot

  • Oxford United: W1 D0 L4 from the previous five games. The U’s know that they must get back on track after a tough run of fixtures over the Christmas period. A performance similar to the one produced to beat Southampton would stand them in good stead in this weekend’s game against mid-table Sheffield United.
  • Sheffield United: W3 D0 L2 in their last five. The Blades come into this fixture off the back of two outstanding results against Stoke City and Leicester City. They will be full of confidence heading into this weekend’s game as they aim to complete the league double over the Yellows.

The Rivalry – A Quick Head-to-Head Check

Callum O’Hare scored the only goal of the game when the two teams met at the Kassam Stadium in September, in what was Chris Wilder’s first game back in charge of the Blades. 

Prior to that meeting, the two Clubs had faced each other 31 times and the Yellows had won 10 and drawn five of those.

The last time Oxford United won away to this weekend’s opponents was back in March 1999, when Nicky Banger and Andy Thomson scored the goals in a 2-1 victory.

The Key Battles: Where This Game Could Be Won And Lost

  • Lankshear back in the goals: The on-loan Tottenham Hotspur forward ended a nine-game goal drought at Portman Road on Thursday, and that strike could prove the catalyst for a confidence-boosting scoring run as his side look to climb out of the drop zone. Standing at 6ft 2in, the centre-forward offers a strong physical presence and is unafraid to use it, regularly troubling opposition defenders. He is likely to test a Blades centre-back pairing of former Tottenham teammate Japhet Tanganga alongside the young Tyler Bindon.
  • Jack Currie vs Femi Seriki: 23-year-old right-back Seriki has been in impressive form of late, scoring once and providing three assists across his last six appearances. A naturally adventurous wing-back, he relishes getting forward and consistently looks to support the attack. He is set to come up against Oxford’s Jack Currie, who will be equally eager to surge down the left and offer a similar threat for his side. The duel between the two promises to be a fascinating one.
  • Patrick Bamford vs Ciaron Brown: Since joining the Blades from Leeds United on a short-term deal in November, Patrick Bamford has scored five goals in ten appearances, bringing a wealth of Premier League experience to the club. He is set to face Yellows centre-half Ciaron Brown, a commanding aerial presence who will back himself to keep Bamford quiet in this contest.

Team News From Both Camps

Oxford United have been missing the likes of captain Cameron Brannagan, Ben Davies, Hidde Ter Avest and Matty Phillips in recent weeks, and Craig Short is hoping that some of these individuals will be fit to return this weekend. 

Tyler Goodrham was forced to leave the pitch early on in the clash with Ipswich Town on Thursday and he faces a race against the clock to be fit for this one. 

New signing Jamie Donley, on loan from Tottenham Hotspur, is available and in contention to make his debut for the U’s.

Meanwhile Sheffield United will be without defender Ben Mee and midfielders Tom Davies and Sydie Peck for the Sunday lunchtime kick off. 

Chris Wilder could opt to field an unchanged team from their impressive New Year’s Day win over Leicester City, although Ollie Arblaster and Gustavo Hamer will battle for midfield spots while Tyrese Campbell will compete to lead the line.

Opposition Focus: Blades Battle Back From A Tough Start

1) After losing their opening seven matches in all competitions at the start of the 2025/26 campaign, Sheffield United appeared to be facing a long and difficult season. However, the reappointment of Chris Wilder as Head Coach towards the end of September has steadied the ship, with a marked upturn in form lifting the Blades to 15th place and eight points clear of the relegation zone.

2) Those opening seven matches yielded just two goals. Fast forward to 2026 and Sheffield United have scored 36 league goals – the second-highest tally among bottom-half sides, behind only Southampton. With the third-highest non-penalty expected goals (npxG) in the division, the Blades are clearly not short of creativity or goalscoring opportunities.

3) Sheffield United have been especially potent from set pieces this season, scoring 12 times from dead-ball situations – the second-highest tally in the league behind Coventry City. They also rank fourth in the division for aerial duel success, winning 53.8% of their contests in the air.

Debut Day For Donley?

Jamie Donley signed on loan for Oxford United from Tottenham Hotspur on Friday, and is in line to make his debut at Bramall Lane on Sunday. He progressed through Spurs’ youth ranks before making his senior debut in December 2023. In August 2024 he joined Leyton Orient on loan for the 2024/25 season, where he emerged as one of League One’s most exciting young talents. 

Donley played regularly at Brisbane Road, contributing eight goals and 10 assists as Orient climbed into play-off contention, and was recognised as the club’s Player of the Season. His campaign included a memorable long-range effort in the FA Cup against Manchester City that, although officially ruled an own goal, drew widespread praise and highlighted his technical ability and creative influence.

By the Numbers — Fast Facts

  • Kick-off: Sunday 4 January, 12:00pm at Bramall Lane.
  • Recent form (last five): Oxford W1 D0 L4; Sheffield United: W3 D0 L2.
  • Goals: Oxford have scored 25 goals this season, Sheffield United have scored 36.
  • Fun Fact: Sheffield United are nicknamed “The Blades” because the city of Sheffield is historically famous for its steel production and cutlery industry.
  • Historic classics: Oxford 1-0 Sheffield United (5 April 2024); Sheffield United 1-2 Oxford (26 March 1999); Oxford 4-1 Sheffield United (14 December 1996)
  • Played for both teams (Years at Oxford): George Baldock (2015-2016); Ben Davies (2025-present); Geoff Denial (1955-1963); Dave Kitson (2013-2014); John Lundstram (2015-2017); Matt Phillips (2024-present)
  • Top Goal scorers this season: Will Lankshear (6 goals); Callum O’Hare (7 goals).