The League One playoff semi-finals heat up as Oxford United heads to the Weston Homes Stadium to face Peterborough United in the second leg showdown.
With Oxford holding a narrow 1-0 advantage from the first leg, the stakes are high for both teams.
Match Preview
Peterborough suffered a 1-0 loss in the first leg, putting them at risk of playoff disappointment for a second consecutive season.
Despite their loss, Posh were relieved to limit the deficit to one after a heavy 5-0 defeat in last month’s away game against Oxford.
Posh return to the Weston Homes Stadium, where they scored 55 goals in 23 home games, finishing as the league’s top scorers.
In their last three home matches, they defeated 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 enters Wednesday’s fixture with momentum, having secured a playoff spot on the final day before winning the first leg against Peterborough.
Elliott Moore, the club captain, scored the decisive goal in the 53rd minute of the first leg.
Although they lead, the U’s need to work hard to reach the playoff final for the first time since 2019-20.
Oxford has a four-game unbeaten away run, winning three and drawing one, conceding no more than one goal in each match.
Their chances of protecting the lead could hinge on scoring first, as they haven’t lost any of their 11 away league games where they scored first.
Team News & Updates:
Peterborough cannot rely on injured Jacob Wakeling and Jeando Fuchs, though Fuchs might be available if they reach the playoff final.
Kwame Poku is vying for a starting spot after returning from injury in the first leg.
Despite being substituted before the hour mark in the first leg, Malik Mothersille, with three goals in the last two home games, may retain his place up front.
Oxford manager Des Buckingham has no new injury worries, likely to stick with the same lineup as the first leg.
Welsh forward Mark Harris is set to lead Oxford’s attack, having scored three goals in the last two away games.
Prediction & Analysis:
With Peterborough United’s attacking talent posing a threat, Oxford United’s strong defensive record away from home could prove vital.
Oxford’s unbeaten run on the road suggests they have the resilience to hold off Posh and secure a draw that would see them through to the playoff final at Wembley.
- Peterborough United 2-2 Oxford United
