Sunderland vs Oxford Predictions, Betting Tips and Preview

Sunderland vs Oxford predictions and betting tips for this opening League One fixture on Saturday 3rd August. After the disappointment of last season, Sunderland will be determined to secure promotion back to the Championship, and they will begin their campaign at the Stadium of Light against Oxford

Sunderland vs Oxford Predictions

[inline_advert ad=”1″]

How to get the Betfair sign-up offer: 

1 Open an account via this link

2 Sign Up to get up to £100 in free bets

 

Sunderland vs Oxford Preview

Sunderland fans were left disappointed in May as they witnessed their side concede a heartbreaking last-gasp goal at Wembley. The Mackems travelled en-masse, and created a wonderful atmosphere around the stadium, and they will continue to vocal support throughout this campaign. They’ll be hoping to avoid the lottery of the play-offs this time around, by booking their place in the top two. They still have a formidable squad for this level, and have added some interesting players to their side. George Dobson is a classy midfielder, whilst Jordan Willis and Connor McLaughlin certainly add some much-needed depth to the defence. Marc McNulty arrives on loan, and they now have an embarrassment of riches going forward. Some supporters are still questioning the ability of Jack Ross to fully utilise his squad, but time will tell. If the Black Cats get off to a slow start, Ross could pay the price, although given the financial situation, the club may resist pulling the trigger for some time. Last season, too many draws were the problem, however they were incredibly difficult to beat, and it’s hard to argue with their chances of success this time around.

Read More: See all of this week’s League One predictions and betting tips 

It’s hard to know what to make of Oxford last season. They laboured their way through the first half of the campaign, flirted with relegation before romping to a comfortable mid-table finish. Karl Robinson still has a decent nucleus of a squad to work with, and he’s added some interesting players this summer. Alex Gorrin and Chris Cadden are potentially exciting recruits if they can adjust to League One quickly, whilst Tarique Fosu has the ability to shine on the left if he can unlock the potential he displayed two seasons ago. The yellows still look a little light up top, and another striker is likely to be the priority between now and start of this game. The jury remains out on Robinson’s ability to get the best out of this squad, although if they can begin this campaign as they ended the last one, they could be looking upwards in the table.

 

Sunderland vs Oxford Betting Tips

To their credit, Oxford were actually incredibly difficult to beat last season on the road, although they arguably drew too many goals on their travels. They were beaten just eight times throughout the campaign, and picked up a 1-1 draw at the Stadium of Light. BTTS landed in over 50% of their away games last season, and given Sunderland’s propensity to concede, this looks another realistic outcome in this contest. It landed in 34 of Sunderland’s 49 games last season (inc. play-offs), and although their defence looks more rigid this time around, it’s hard to have confidence in them keeping a shut-out. It’s 17/20 to land in this tie.

Another odds-on short is for their to be a goal in both halves in this contest. Sunderland made some quick starts in their home matches last season, and there was some very entertaining football on show. There was a goal in both halves when the teams met last year, whilst 88% of Sunderland’s home games last season saw one of the two teams notch before the break. It is 8/11, but looks a decent bet in this opening contest.

 

Sunderland vs Oxford Goals Tips

[inline_advert ad=”2″]

How to use the Betvictor sign-up offer 

1 Open an account using this link

2 Bet £5 or more on our betting tip at 8/11

3 Get up to £30 in free bets

[frontpage_news widget=”51490″ name=”Latest Betting Tips”]

Relevant news