Oxford United predicted XI in Burton Albion League One clash

The U’s go into the game off the back of an astounding 4-0 victory away from home against Russell Martin’s Leicester City.

Mark Harris bagged a brace whilst Mo Missanga and Jamie McDonnell scored their first goals for the club, young Missanga stealing the headlines with an assist as well on only his second ever senior start.

The Yellows go into the weekend 11th in the table and prepare to face a Burton side who have surprised many with their start to the season and lie sixth in the division.

Here is how we predict Aaron Ramsey’s side to line up in OX4…

Goalkeeper and defence

Since Jamie Cumming’s injury against Stevenage, veteran goalkeeper Simon Eastwood has done an admirable job stepping in.

The 37-year-old has made nine saves and secured one clean sheet in his two starts.

Meanwhile, Cumming returned to the bench at Leicester after one day back training with the team.

Peter Kioso closes down his man at Leicester City (Image: Oxford United)

With a week since the win at the King Power, the first-choice shot-stopper should return to the starting XI with Ramsey previously emphasising his importance, despite Eastwood’s stellar displays.

In defence, it would be hard to split up the four that won United’s first clean sheet of the season.

However, the boss has shown his willingness to rotate, so we expect Jack Currie to return to the line up.

The solid duo of Ciaron Brown and Michal Helik should remain at the heart, whilst Peter Kioso retains his spot at right back.

READ MORE: How Oxford United thrashed Russell Martin’s Leicester City

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Midfield

After one of the best midfield performances from a U’s side in recent memory, it would be a crime to split up the Kai Andrews, Jamie McDonnell and Cameron Brannagan trio.

We saw the very best of McDonnell against the Foxes whilst Coventry City loanee Andrews bagged two assists and captain Brannagan was free to link play with 97 per cent pass accuracy.

Attack

Mo Missanga bagged a goal and assist against Leicester (Image: Oxford United)

Whilst many would pit this game as ample opportunity for a rest, Missanga has made himself almost undroppable after his goal, assist and spectacular performance at Leicester.

It may well be a great chance for a first start for Luka Lynch, however.

The Aston Villa loanee bagged an assist for the fourth goal last week and could come in for Siriki Dembele.

It would mean a more natural position on the left for Missanga and an out-and-out right winger in Lynch for the first time this season.

Oxford United predicted XI vs Burton Albion (Image: Newsquest)

Mark Harris will of course retain his place up top after his brace and invaluable off-ball qualities.

Gatlin O’Donkor provides an alternative and proven impact off the bench.

Oxford predicted XI: Cumming, Kioso, Helik, Brown, Currie, Brannagan, McDonnell, Andrews, Lynch, Harris, Missanga