Match Preview | Oxford United vs. Cardiff City

Match Preview
The Bluebirds take on Oxford United in Boxing Day action on Thursday afternoon.

The fixture will take place at the Kassam Stadium on December 26th, with a kick off time of 3pm. 

Gary Rowett
OPPOSITION FOCUS | IN THE DUGOUT

Oxford United’s manager is Gary Rowett, who was appointed last Friday. 

During his playing career, Rowett made well over 100 Premier League appearances, representing the likes of Birmingham City, Derby County and Leicester City. 

He started his coaching career at youth level with Derby County and England before securing his first senior job as assistant manager at Burton Albion. 

He eventually took charge as manager of the club, leading them to a fourth-place finish in League Two. Rowett then moved on to Birmingham City, where he led the Blues from 21st position to tenth place. 

In March 2017, he was appointed manager of Derby County, He stayed at the Rams until May 2018 when he moved to Stoke City on a three-year contract. He departed the Potters after half a season in charge with the club.

Rowett was appointed by Millwall in October 2019. He took charge of 196 games at the Lions before leaving by mutual consent in October 2023. 

He briefly took charge of Birmingham City last season as caretaker manager before finding his current permanent home at Oxford United following the departure of Des Buckingham

Peter Kioso
OPPOSITION FOCUS | SEASON SO FAR

Our hosts head into the contest sat 23rd in the Sky Bet Championship.

The U’s are without a win in seven, their last league win came back at the start of November when they defeated Hull City 1-0 at home. 

Oxford United have picked up 16 points at home this season, but have struggled on their travels, only picking up two points away from home.

Last time out, the U’s were defeated 4-0 away from home to Leeds United. Goals from Dan James, Jayden Bogle, Brenden Aaronson and Manor Solomon secured all three points for Leeds United. 

Craig Conway
STATZONE 

The Bluebirds and Oxford United have faced each other 25 times.

City first took on the U’s back in 1968, Cardiff City came out winners defeating their counterparts 2-0 away from home. 

The last time the two sides met was in the league cup in 2011. The Bluebirds defeated Oxford United 3-1. An early goal from Craig Conway and extra time efforts from the late Peter Whittingham and Nathaniel Jarvis secured the victory for City. 

Callum O'Dowda, Mark Harris
CLUB CONNECTIONS | BLUEBIRDS AND U's

Oxford United currently have two former Bluebirds on their books. 

Ciaron Brown made 17 league appearances in the Welsh capital. During his time at City, he had loan spells at Livingston and Oxford United, before permanently moving to Oxfordshire in the summer of 2022. 

Mark Harris came through the Bluebirds' Academy and went on to make 87 league appearances netting nine times. He moved to Oxford United in the summer of 2023 and has since made 67 league appearances netting 19 times.  

Callum O’Dowda could also face his former club. He came through Oxford United’s academy and went on to make 87 appearances in Oxfordshire before moving to Bristol City and then to the Bluebirds. 

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