Bristol City vs Oxford United: Predictions, Betting odds, Lineups, Preview

Oxford United's wait for a win set to continue, with Bristol City predicted to win this one 3-1
Oxford last beat Bristol City in 2014, so will be up against it here
Scott Twine will look to be at the heart of all Bristol City attacks
Explore Ladbrokes’ detailed preview for Bristol City vs Oxford United in the Championship. Stats, odds, predictions, and lineups for the 15:00 BST match.
Match Details
Fixture: Bristol City vs Oxford United
Date: Sunday, 21 September 2025
Kick-off: 15:00 BST
Venue: Ashton Gate
Our Predictions for Bristol City vs Oxford United
Match Prediction: Bristol City 3-1 Oxford United
Bristol City's recent form is impressive. They've been smashing teams left and right, with big wins against Sheffield United and Hull City. Their attack is firing on all cylinders, and they look set to dominate possession and create plenty of chances. Oxford United, on the other hand, have been struggling to find the back of the net, drawing twice and losing three of their last five. They'll need to be solid at the back and hope to catch Bristol City on a rare off day.
Oxford might try to sit deep and hit Bristol on the counter, but it's going to be tough against such a confident side. Bristol City's midfield should control the game, and their forwards will be looking to exploit any gaps in Oxford's defence. If Oxford can keep it tight and nick a goal, they might make it interesting, but Bristol City's current form suggests they'll be too strong.
Form Guide & Team Overview
Bristol City
Bristol City are in top form, having won three of their last five games with two draws. Their recent victories against Sheffield Wednesday and Sheffield United show they can handle tough away games. At home, they've been solid, drawing against Derby and Charlton. This confidence and momentum should carry them into this match, where they'll look to continue their scoring spree.
Their attack has been particularly lethal, scoring 12 goals in their last five games. This firepower will be crucial against Oxford United, who have struggled defensively. Bristol City's ability to score from various positions and their solid defence make them favourites to win this one.
Recent Championship Results:
Win: 3-0 vs Sheffield Wednesday (A)
Win: 4-2 vs Hull City (H)
Draw: 1-1 vs Derby County (A)
Draw: 0-0 vs Charlton Athletic (H)
Win: 4-1 vs Sheffield United (A)
Oxford United
Oxford United have had a tough run lately, with three losses and two draws in their last five games. Their defence has been leaky, conceding nine goals in those matches. They'll need to tighten up at the back if they want to stand a chance against Bristol City's potent attack.
On the positive side, Oxford have shown they can score, drawing 2-2 against both Leicester and Coventry. If they can find a way to be more clinical in front of goal and keep things tight at the back, they might pull off a surprise. But it's going to be an uphill battle against a confident Bristol City side.
Recent Championship Results:
Draw: 2-2 vs Leicester City (H)
Draw: 2-2 vs Coventry City (H)
Loss: 0-1 vs Birmingham City (A)
Loss: 2-3 vs Hull City (A)
Loss: 0-1 vs Portsmouth (H)
Head-to-Head Record
Bristol City have won two out of their three most recent meetings, although Oxford managed to win the two before that. This suggests that neither side have shown a great deal of dominance in this fixture.
Recent Results (All Competitions)
Oxford United 1-1 Bristol City (01 Feb 2025)
Bristol City 2-1 Oxford United (21 Sep 2024)
Bristol City 5-1 Oxford United (09 Aug 2023)
Bristol City 1-2 Oxford United (12 Aug 2014)
Bristol City 0-1 Oxford United (09 Sep 2002)
Team News & Injury Report
Bristol City
Max O'Leary (Ankle) - Doubt
Luke McNally (Cruciate Ligament) - Doubt
Joe Williams (Ankle) - Doubt
Cameron Pring (Ankle) - Doubt
Oxford United
Ole Romeny (Ankle) - Doubt
Ciaron Brown (Leg) - Doubt
Brodie Spencer (Thigh) - Doubt
Lineups & Tactical Setup
Bristol City (3-4-2-1)
Predicted lineup: Vitek, Vyner, Dickie, Atkinson, Sykes, Knight, Randell, McCrorie, Twine, Mehmeti, Riis
Bristol City's predicted lineup shows a strong attacking presence with Mehmeti, Twine, and Riis likely to cause problems for Oxford's defence. Their midfield, led by Knight, should control the game and provide plenty of service to the forwards.
Oxford United (4-4-2)
Predicted lineup: Cumming, Long, Helik, Davies, Currie, Placheta, De Keersmaecker, Brannagan, Krastev, Phillips, Lankshear
Oxford United's predicted lineup suggests they'll rely on Brannagan and De Keersmaecker in midfield to break up Bristol City's play and launch quick counters. Up front, Lankshear will need to be sharp to take any chances that might come his way.
Key Battles & Players to Watch
Ross McCrorie vs Sam Long: Long’s defensive solidity will be crucial against McCrorie’s attacking threat.
Scott Twine vs Cameron Brannagan: Twine's creativity will be tested by Brannagan's midfield presence.
Rob Atkinson (Bristol City): His defensive stability will be key to stopping Oxford's counter-attacks.
Will Lankshear (Oxford United): He'll need to be clinical if Oxford are to have any chance of scoring.
Ladbrokes brings you the most exciting odds to enhance your experience.
For the best Championship outright predictions, explore our guide.
Odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.