Oxford United vs Derby County: Predictions, Betting odds, Lineups, Preview

Explore Ladbrokes' detailed preview for Oxford United vs Derby County in the Championship. Stats, odds, predictions, and lineups for the 12:30 BST match.

• Fixture: Oxford United vs Derby County

• Date: Saturday, 18 October 2025

• Kick-off: 12:30 BST

• Venue: The Kassam Stadium

Match Prediction: Oxford United 2-1 Derby County

Oxford United might fancy their chances here. They've had a mixed bag lately, but that win against Bristol City shows they can nick a result on the road. Derby, on the other hand, have been drawing a lot, which suggests they're solid but not quite finishing teams off. If Oxford can exploit that, they could come away with something.

Derby's defence will be key. They've only let in four goals in their last five games, which is impressive. But Oxford's attack, led by Dembélé and Lankshear, could test them. It'll be a tight affair, but Oxford's home advantage might just give them the edge.

Oxford's recent form has been up and down. They've struggled at home, drawing and losing, but that win against Bristol City on the road shows they can be dangerous away. With Dembélé and Lankshear up top, they've got the firepower to cause problems. If they can keep their heads, they might just pull off a result.

Recent Championship Results:

• Loss: 1-2 vs Watford (A)

• Draw: 0-0 vs Queens Park Rangers (A)

• Loss: 0-1 vs Sheffield United (H)

• Win: 3-1 vs Bristol City (A)

• Draw: 2-2 vs Leicester City (H)

Derby have been drawing a lot lately, which shows they're hard to beat but not quite getting over the line. Their defence has been solid, not conceding more than a single goal in each of their last five games. But that loss to Preston at home might be a worry. If they can tighten up at the back and find a way to score, they could still come out on top.

Recent Championship Results:

• Draw: 1-1 vs Southampton (H)
• Draw: 1-1 vs Charlton Athletic (H)
• Draw: 1-1 vs Wrexham (A)
• Loss: 0-1 vs Preston North End (H)
• Win: 1-0 vs West Bromwich Albion (A)

The last two meetings between these sides have been tight affairs. They drew 1-1 at Oxford and 0-0 at Derby last season. Both teams will be looking to break the deadlock and come away with all three points this time around.

• Derby County 0-0 Oxford United (11 Feb 2025)

• Oxford United 1-1 Derby County (22 Oct 2024)

• Ole Romeny (Foot) - Doubt
• Brodie Spencer (Thigh) - Doubt
• Matthew Phillips (Knock) - Doubt
• Ciaron Brown (Leg) - Doubt

• Liam Thompson (Hip) - Doubt

• Owen Beck (Hamstring) - Doubt

• Corey Blackett-Taylor (Hamstring) - Doubt

• Curtis Nelson (Cruciate Ligament) - Doubt

• Sondre Langås (Knee) - Doubt

• Predicted lineup: Cumming, Spencer, Helik, Long, Leigh, Mills, De Keersmaecker, Brannagan, Dembélé, Prelec, Lankshear

With Brannagan and Keersmaecker in midfield, Oxford will look to control the game and feed the ball to Prelec and Lankshear up front. Their recent form suggests they can be dangerous on the break.

• Predicted lineup: Zetterström, Johnston, Sanderson, Clarke, Forsyth, Travis, Ozoh, Weimann, Morris, Clark, Agyemang

Derby's defence, led by Clarke and Sanderson, will be crucial. With Agyemang and Weimann in attack, they'll look to hit Oxford on the counter and make the most of their set-piece opportunities.

• Siriki Dembélé vs Max Johnston: This will be a key battle between Oxford's lively forward and Derby's experienced defender.

• Cameron Brannagan vs Lewis Travis: Oxford's creative midfielder will look to unlock Derby's defence, but Travis will be keen to keep things tight in the middle.

• Stanley Mills (Oxford United): Mills can be a key part of Oxford's attack, providing energy and creativity from midfield.

• Bobby Clark (Derby County): Clark's pace and finishing make him a constant threat for Derby, especially on the counter-attack.

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Odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.