Oxford will not be easy opponents for Middlesbrough
In one of the more intriguing clashes in FA Cup fifth round, Premier League Middlesbrough host League one Oxford United on Saturday afternoon.
Middlesbrough head into this potential banana skin in poor form, having won just one of their last eight games in all competitions, with that win coming in the last round against Accrington Stanley.
Boro’s main problem has been scoring goals this season, as Aitor Karanka’s team have scored the fewest goals in the English top-flight, failing to score in their last two outings.
The north east side did record a creditable goalless draw with in-form Everton last time out but seemed to have lost the winning feeling of late. That is never good news, but it is even worse when Boro have a decent lower league side visiting the Riverside Stadium for a cup clash.
Oxford are 11th in the League One table and outsiders for a play-off spot in the third tier. However, with their status in League One seemingly secure they can concentrate on this big clash.
Prior to a 2-0 home defeat against Southend in midweek, Oxford had recorded five consecutive wins in all competitions, scoring two or more goals in four of those five wins.
What could prove a significant factor in this clash is that the U’s have a decent defensive record this season, with only three teams conceding fewer goals this season in League One. Against a Boro that struggles to score goals, their defence may well be the key to picking up a positive result.
Boro’s home form has not been terrible of late, with Karanka’s side losing just once in their last seven home games in all competitions. However, the north east side have won just three of those seven games, two of the victories coming against lower league opposition in Sheffield Wednesday and Accrington Stanley.
Forebet predicts that Boro will win this clash. However, it is unlikely to be a comfortable afternoon for the north east side.
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