Match Preview - Oxford United
It’s hopefully second time lucky for Newport County AFC and Oxford United FC in this re-arranged fixture at Rodney Parade (7:45pm Kick Off) after the initial game on New Year’s Day was called off due to a waterlogged pitch.
County are looking ahead to a home game for the first time since January 4th in what was a 2-1 defeat to Northampton Town. It will also be a quick opportunity to get the 3-0 defeat at Hartlepool United last Saturday out of the system.
Manager Justin Edinburgh understands the significance of the game and the opposition.
‘It is a big game for us as 7 of our last 8 games have been away from home. We have a strong home record and Oxford United are in a position where we want to be.’
Oxford United come into the game unbeaten in their last six games and beat Mansfield Town at the Kassam over the weekend to remain in the automatic promotion places of Sky Bet League 2.
Newport County AFC will miss Harry Worley after the former Oxford United defender picked up his tenth caution of the season at Hartlepool meaning he will also miss Saturday’s home game against Cheltenham Town. Ismail Yakubu has recovered from a knock in training last week and comes back into contention whilst Elliott Parish is expected to continue in goal.
Oxford United have forward talent in abundance with 10 goal top scorer James Constable looking to lead the line and Dave Kitson also available. Former Newport County AFC favourite Danny Rose is also likely to play in midfield for The U’s.
The two sides fought out a goal-less draw at the Kassam Stadium on a cold Tuesday in November with Christian Jolley coming closest for either side with a curling effort hitting the cross-bar. There is sure to be a good atmosphere with Oxford bringing a large contingent to Rodney Parade and County fans desperate to see their side in action at home.
This is the first of 5 successive home games for Newport County AFC who will be looking to continue their strong home form to challenge the likes of Oxford United.
There will be a preliminary pitch inspection at 1:00pm by match referee Oliver Langford.
Tickets are available up until kick off and the club shop will be open all day with plenty of County merchandise in the Sale.