Our prediction for this League 1 match:
Oxford United and Sunderland, the two playoffs-chasing teams, go head to head at Kassam Stadium in what is expected to be an interesting League One derby. The Yellows aim to make amends for back-to-back defeats to Plymouth and Morecambe, and they are likely to adopt an attack-minded approach in Saturday’s showdown. Both Bodin and Henry are pushing for a start, while all Gorrin, Baldock, and Browne should miss out with injuries.
The Black Cats, on the other hand, recorded a very important 1-0 win over Gillingham to move closer to the playoffs berth. Considering that Sunderland will go for a win in the Kassam Stadium clash as well, we believe that there is a big value in betting on both teams to score. Wales international Nathan Broadhead could sneak into the starting XI after scoring a late winner at the weekend.
Highlighted Player (James Henry):
James Henry was born in Reading on 10 June, 1989, but he grew up in Woodley. He began playing football at his home-town club Woodley Saints, but he made progress during his spell at Reading’s youth academy. Henry is a winger who is capable of playing as a centre midfielder as well, but he failed to score for Reading in 10 league appearances for the club.
After ending his loan spells with the likes of Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth, Norwich City and Millwall, he signed a permanent deal with the Lions on 28 July, 2010. Henry signed a three-year deal with Millwall and he made his home debut in a 4-0 win over Hull City.
It has to be noted that Henry played for both Scotland and England at youth level in the past, but he has yet to make his debut for the first team. Henry was born in England, but his parents are Scottish and, as a result, he is eligible to play for both England and Scotland.
Highlighted Team (Sunderland):
Sunderland are a professional football club that have been playing their home games at the Stadium of Light since 1997. The capacity of the stadium is 49,000, but before expansion the original ground capacity was 42,000. Red and White shirts are Sunderland’s trademark and the club’s fiercest rivals are Newcastle United. The two local rivals have been contesting in the Tyne-Wear derby since 1898 and there have always been fireworks in what is one of the greatest derbies in English football. Sunderland were on the verge of dropping to the Championship in the 2015/2016 Premier League campaign, but experienced tactician Sam Allardyce eventually helped the team avoid relegation.
The Black Cats have won six First Division trophies (now the Premier League), with the team lifting two FA Cup titles. Sunderland won their first FA Cup trophy in 1937, with the team beating Preston North End 3-1 in the title game. The club was founded in 1879 as Sunderland and District Teachers A.F.C.