The Sky Blues get their Carabao Cup campaign underway tonight, as they take on Oxford United at the Kassam Stadium.
Opposition:
It has been a difficult start to life in League One for Karl Robinson and Oxford United this season, with no points and no goals so far.
The U's suffered a 4-0 defeat at the hands of recently relegated Barnsley in the opening day fixture at Oakwell.
Next up, was the first home tie of the season and it was more disappointment as Joey Barton picked up his first win as a manager, coming away from the Kassam with a 2-0 win.
Last season, Oxford were knocked out in the first round of the competition at the hands of Cheltenham Town in a 4-3 defeat AET.
Last Time We Met:
One of the most memorable meetings between the two sides was the last time that City came up against Oxford, back in April of 2017.
The Sky Blues came face to face with United in the Checkatrade Trophy Final at Wembley, with over 40,000 City supporters making the trip.
Mark Robins side took the lead early on when Gael Bigirimana beat Simon Eastwood after just eleven minutes.
George Thomas then doubled City's advantage after 55 minutes from 25 yards out, before Oxford got a consolation goal through Liam Sercombe. With a full time score of 2-1, the Sky Blues took home the Checkatrade Trophy in jubilant scenes.
Mark Robins:
“I’m looking for a win and expecting a tough game. It’s a great game and it’s another chance to get 90 minutes under our belts and not only that but to progress in a competition which is important to us.
“I will pick my best team and pick a team that will go and win the game, like I always do and have one eye on one or two that might need a bit of a breather.”
Form:
We take a look at how United have fared leading up in the last six matches in all competitions.
Won – Hungerford Town 2-3 Oxford United
Lost - Oxford United 1-3 Crystal Palace
Won - Oxford United 4-3 Leeds United
Lost – MK Dons 1-0 Oxford United
Lost – Barnsley 4-0 Oxford United
Lost – Oxford United 0-2 Fleetwood Town
Head to Head:
Sky Blues (W): 7
Draw: 0
Oxford United (W): 3
SkyBet Odds:
The Sky Blues head into the game as 19/10 underdogs, with the hosts 11/8 favourites and the draw available at 23/10.
In the first goalscorer market, Max Biamou and Amadou Bakayoko are available at 11/2, whilst Jordy Hiwula, Jonson Clarke-Harris and Jordan Ponticelli are 7/1.
All odds are subject to change, for further odds on other markets click here.
Officials:
James Linington will be the man in the middle of the Sky Blues clash against Oxford in the Carabao Cup First Round.
Linington officiated in 40 games during the 2017/18 campaign giving a total of 140 yellow cards and five red cards.
It will be the first time that Linington has refereed a City game since the Sky Blues 2-1 home defeat against Scunthorpe United back in 2016.
He will be assisted by Lee Venamore and Mark Russell, while Alan Young will act as fourth official.