Oxford United will be hoping to cause an upset when they welcome Premier League opposition in Sunderland to the Kassam Stadium in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Sunday afternoon. The Championship outfit will see the cup as a welcome distraction from their league form, as they are currently in 23rd place in the table and at serious risk of being relegated.
Meanwhile, Sunderland have taken to the Premier League by storm after being promoted from the Championship last season, and sit in 11th place. They will be expecting to win on Sunday, and hope for a good cup run.
Contents
Oxford United vs Sunderland prediction: Black Cats to claw their way through?
Key stats
- Oxford United are winless in four games, losing three.
- Sunderland have won three of their last six matches in all competitions.
- Oxford United have only won once in the previous seven H2Hs across all competitions.
Correct score prediction: Oxford United 0-2 Sunderland
Both teams have been shy of goals in recent matches, but Sunderland's quality should shine through here. We are backing them to get a fairly comfortable victory here.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Sunderland favourites with bookmakers
- HOME: 19/5 (4.80) – 20.8%
- DRAW: 27/10 (3.70) – 27.0%
- AWAY: 7/10 (1.70) – 58.8%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
As shown by the implied probabilities, Sunderland ae the favourites with bookmakers to win and progress to the next round. A draw after normal time can still be backed at 27%, while an Oxford United victory is rated at just under 21%.
Also, feel free to check out our dedicated Today’s betting tips page for more of our expert FA Cup predictions.
Most recent H2Hs: Sunderland on top
As mentioned before, Oxford United have only won once in the last seven meetings in all competitions. However, that did come in the previous H2H, which could give the hosts some confidence.
England Championship 26/04/25
Oxford Utd
Sunderland
England Championship 26/10/24
Sunderland
Oxford Utd
England League 1 09/04/22
Oxford Utd
Sunderland
England League 1 04/12/21
Sunderland
Oxford Utd
England League 1 02/04/21
Sunderland
Oxford Utd
Oxford United preview: Three expected absentees
Ole Romeny, Brodie Gilmore Spencer and James Golding are all expected to miss out for Oxford United. They could still pick a strong starting XI though.
Predicted lineup: Cumming (GK); Brown, Helik, Davies; Long, Brannagan, McDonnell, Placheta; Peart-Harris, Mills & Harris
Last five results:
- 10/02/26: Oxford United 0-3 Norwich (Championship)
- 07/02/26: Coventry 0-0 Oxford United (Championship)
- 03/02/26: Sheffield United 3-1 Oxford United (Championship)
- 31/01/26: Oxford United 0-2 Birmingham (Championship)
- 24/01/26: Leicester 1-2 Oxford United (Championship)
Sunderland preview: Xhaka still injured
Bertrand Traore, Harrison Jones, Jocelin Ta Bi and Granit Xhaka are all still missing for Sunderland. However, they have reported no fresh concerns in their squad.
Predicted lineup: Roefs (GK); Mukiele, Ballard, Alderete, Reinildo; Le Fee, Diarra, Hume, Talbi, Sadiki & Brobbey
Last five results:
- 11/02/26: Sunderland 0-1 Liverpool (Premier League)
- 07/02/26: Arsenal 3-0 Sunderland (Premier League)
- 02/02/26: Sunderland 3-0 Burnley (Premier League)
- 24/01/26: West Ham 3-1 Sundrland (Premier League)
- 17/01/26: Sunderland 2-1 Crystal Palace (Premier League)
Player to watch: Enzo Le Fee
Enzo Le Fee scored in the third round against Everton, and will be key in midfield in Xhaka's absence. Sunderland will look to him to dictate play against Oxford United.