Oxford United will be desperate to end their nine-game winless streak when they host playoff-chasing Watford at Kassam Stadium on Saturday. While Oxford fight to avoid relegation, Tom Cleverley’s Watford are aiming to close the gap on the top six.
Under manager Gary Rowett, Oxford’s form has been concerning, with their latest 2-1 defeat to Hull City leaving them in 20th place with 39 points. Just four points above the relegation zone, the U’s are at risk of slipping further unless they can turn things around. Key players like midfielder Cameron Brannagan and forward Mark Harris will need to step up in this crucial clash.
At home, Oxford have struggled, losing back-to-back games against Coventry City and Portsmouth. Their last win at Kassam Stadium came in January, but with experienced defender Michal Helik leading the backline, they will hope to avoid a fifth defeat in six matches. A victory could lift them as high as 17th, while another loss could allow Derby County to close the gap.
Watford, on the other hand, are in solid form, having lost just once in their last five games. A 1-0 win over Swansea City, thanks to Moussa Sissoko’s goal, has put the Hornets within four points of sixth-placed Coventry City. Cleverley’s men are aiming for their fourth win in a month, with midfielder Edo Kayembe and winger Thomas Ince expected to play key roles.
The Hornets have been impressive on the road, avoiding defeat in five of their last seven away matches in 2025. With Watford’s attacking threat and Oxford’s defensive struggles, Cleverley’s side will be confident of securing three points. However, they must remain cautious as Oxford fight for survival.
Oxford’s injury concerns include Max Woltman and Stuart Findlay, while defender Elliott Moore is a doubt after being forced off against Hull. Rowett is expected to rely on a defensive setup featuring Helik, Benjamin Nelson, and Ciaron Brown, while Brannagan and Bruno Rodrigues will aim to control the midfield.
Watford are without goalkeeper Daniel Bachmann due to an ACL injury, while Kevin Keben and Kwadwo Baah are also sidelined. Cleverley is likely to start with a midfield trio of Sissoko, Louza, and Dele-Bashiru, while Giorgi Chakvetadze and Ince support Kayembe in attack.
With Oxford fighting for survival and Watford pushing for promotion, this clash could be pivotal for both sides. However, Watford’s superior form and the influence of key players like Sissoko and Ince give them the edge in what is expected to be a hard-fought battle.
Prediction: Oxford United 1-2 Watford