Oxford United are back in the Championship after spending the last 25 years outside the top two tiers of English football and we're bringing you our predictions for their opening game of the new season at home to Norwich City.
The Canaries made it through to the play-offs last season but simply weren't good enough when it counted, losing 4-0 to Leeds United on aggregate, but head into the 2024/25 campaign aiming for promotion once again.
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Oxford Utd vs Norwich prediction: Goals expected at The Kassam Stadium
Key Stats
- Oxford have only kept one clean sheet in their last four fixtures.
- Over 2.5 goals have been produced in each of the last two meetings between these two clubs.
- Four of Norwich's last six outings have witnessed at least three goals.
Correct score prediction: Oxford Utd 1-2 Norwich
Oxford haven't conceded more than two goals in any of their last six matches, while Norwich have only scored more than two goals in one of their last six outings.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Norwich the slight favourite
- HOME: 135/67 (3.01) – 33.2%
- DRAW: 13/5 (3.60) – 27.8%
- AWAY: 11/8 (2.38) – 42.1%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Norwich are the expected winner of this game with a probability of 42.1%, and we can't argue with the bookmakers on this selection.
You can find all our predictions for today's games on our football betting tips page.
Most recent H2Hs: Level pegging
Two wins, one draw and two defeats have been produced in the last five meetings between Oxford and Norwich with the Canaries winning the pair's last encounter back in 1999 4-2.
Oxford preview: Aiming to avoid relegation
Oxford United earned promotion back to the Championship after a 25-year absence following a play-off win against Bolton.
Major changes have been made to The U's roster this summer with Josh Murphy, Billy Bodin, James Henry, Oisin Smyth, Stephan Negru, Jacob Knightbridge, Steve Seddon and Marcus Browne all leaving the club.
The incomings have been very positive for Oxford as they look to produce a team capable of staying in the Championship. Peter Kioso, Jack Currie and Idris El Mizouni have all joined for a combined total of around £1.5m, while Louie Sibley, Przemyslaw Placheta, Jamie Cumming, Will Vaulks, Matt Phillips and Jacob Knightbridge come in on free transfers. Hull City goalkeeper Matt Ingram has signed for an undisclosed fee while Crystal Palace winger Malcolm Ebiowei arrives on loan for the season.
Predicted lineup: Cumming (GK), Brown, Vaulks, Moore, Płacheta, Brannagan, Harris, Bennett, Goodrham, Rodrigues & Kioso
England Championship 31/08/24
W
Preston
1
Oxford Utd
3
England EFL Cup 27/08/24
L
Coventry
1
Oxford Utd
0
England Championship 24/08/24
L
Blackburn
2
Oxford Utd
1
England Championship 16/08/24
L
Coventry
3
Oxford Utd
2
England EFL Cup 13/08/24
W
Peterborough
0
Oxford Utd
2
Norwich preview: Have their eyes on promotion
Norwich will be looking to make the play-offs again this season and this time, they will be hoping for a better outcome.
Levski Sofia centre-back José Córdoba joins the club for around £3.15m, while Aston Villa left-back Ben Chrisene cost £1.55m and Man City's Callum Doyle has extended his loan spell.
The big departure for the Canaries this summer was Gabriel Sara who left for Galatasaray in a deal thought to be in the regen of £15.5m, while Greek striker Christos Tzolis moved to 2. Bundesliga side Fortuna Dusseldorf for £3m.
Dimitrios Giannoulis, Ben Gibson, Sam McCallum, Danny Batth and Jon McCracken all left the club following the end of their contracts.
Predicted lineup: Gunn (GK), Stacey, Hanley, Sørensen, Chrisene, McLean, Gibbs, Núñez, Sainz, Rowe & Sargent
England Championship 31/08/24
W
Coventry
0
Norwich
1
England EFL Cup 27/08/24
L
Crystal Palace
4
Norwich
0
England Championship 24/08/24
D
Sheff Utd
1
Norwich
1
England Championship 17/08/24
D
Blackburn
2
Norwich
2
England EFL Cup 13/08/24
W
Stevenage
3
Norwich
4
Player to watch – Josh Sargent
United States striker Josh Sargent has got better with each season he has been at the Canaries.
Sargent, who joined Norwich from Werder Bremen in 2021, scored four goals in 29 games during his first season with the club and upon their relegation to the Championship the American netted 13 goals in 41 games.
The American striker has found his level in the Championship
Last season, Sargent scored 16 goals across all competitions for Norwich and the club have high hopes that he might break the 20-goal mark in 2025.
