Leeds United will face Oxford United on Good Friday in a crucial Championship match. After two successive wins, Leeds have taken the top spot, but Burnley are pushing hard, remaining unbeaten in 29 games and level on points with the Whites.
The fixture list on Good Friday is packed, with Burnley playing Watford at 3 pm, Sheffield United hosting Cardiff City at 5:30 pm, and Leeds taking on Oxford United at 8 pm. The outcome of these matches will be crucial in determining the top two spots, and Leeds need seven points from their final four games to secure automatic promotion.
Oxford United, under Gary Rowett, have improved their chances of staying in the Championship. They’ve managed three wins in the last five games, which has taken them close to confirming safety. However, they’ll be without key player Ciaran Brown for the rest of the season due to a knee injury that forced him out of the game early. Liverpool’s Max Woltman will also miss the game due to a leg injury.
There’s uncertainty around Hidde ter Avest’s concussion and Elliott Moore’s hamstring injury. While ter Avest has an outside chance of recovering, Moore is training after picking up the hamstring issue but hasn’t played yet.
In contrast, Leeds’ injury list is relatively short. Daniel Farke confirmed no new injuries after the win against Preston. Dan James is recovering from a hamstring injury picked up in the match against Middlesbrough, while Joe Rothwell is out with a calf injury sustained in training before the Luton match.
There’s a chance James could return against Oxford, which would be a significant boost for Leeds. Farke mentioned the possibility of James being involved, but it’s still uncertain. Rothwell, on the other hand, will likely miss the match and potentially return for the game against Bristol City.
The outcome of this match could have significant implications for Leeds’ promotion hopes. A win would bring them closer to securing an automatic promotion spot, while a loss could allow Burnley to close the gap. Oxford United, meanwhile, will be looking to cause an upset and potentially dent Leeds’ promotion ambitions.
