It's now seven games without a win for Oxford United so boss Des Buckingham will be desperate to get three points on the board when struggling Swansea City come calling in the EFL Championship.
After winning promotion in the League One play-off final, many people expected the Us to be battling against relegation in the second tier but they made a flying start with three wins in their first five games.
Their momentum has halted in recent weeks but five of those seven winless games ended in draws so Oxford United have still been doing enough to sit comfortably in mid-table.
Buckingham's side lost 2-0 at Sunderland last weekend, bringing up a tip for The Betting Desk, so they will be out to make amends back home soil.
The Us are a point better off than Swansea, who are also on a long run without a win, having lost three and drawn three in their last six games.
The Swans haven't even managed to score in their last five outings and they could find themselves sliding towards the drop zone if that drought continues.
How the bookies view it: Swans just have the edge
This is a tough one to call with both teams in poor form but Betano make Swansea slight favourites at 31/20. Oxford United are priced at 13/8 and the draw pays 85/40.
Recent head to head: Oxford chasing a home hat-trick
This is the first league meeting between these sides for 20 years but they have faced off twice in the cups since then. Oxford won an FA Cup tie 3-2 at home in 2016 and knocked Swansea out of the EFL Cup in 2022 on penalties at the Kassam Stadium after coming from 2-0 down to force a draw.
Players to watch: The Scarlett Pimpernel
Tottenham loanee Dane Scarlett is starting to make an impact at Oxford United, netting twice in his last three outings. The 20-year-old is 10/3 at Bet365 to grab another goal here.
With Swansea's strikers struggling, it might be smarter backing a midfielder to end their drought. Matt Grimes scored a penalty earlier in the season against Preston and is 5/1 to grab his second of the season.
Probable teams
Oxford still have a few players out, with Cameron Brannagan, Matt Phillips, Joe Bennett and Przemysław Płacheta injured. Swansea City are set to be without Josh Ginnelly, Ji-Sung Eom and Andy Fisher.
Oxford United: Cumming, Brown, Moore, Nelson, Kioso, Vaulks, Leigh, Goodrham, Rodrigues, Harris, Scarlett.
Swansea City: Vigouroux, Key, Cabango, Darling, Tymon, Grimes, Goncalo Franco, Allen, Peart-Harris, Ronald, Vipotnik.
Anything else catch the eye?
Swansea's last five games have produced just three goals in total while under 2.5 goals has come up in the last four for Oxford. That's why Betano price under 2.5 strikes at just 7/10 while betting against BTTS pays only 4/5. But if you combine both those selections it boosts the odds to a healthier 21/20 with Bet365.
With both sides desperate to end poor runs, we could see a few cards. Backing over 47.5 booking points pays Evens with Betfred while Swansea full-back Josh Tymon is 12/5 with the same firm for his fifth card this term.
This England Championship match between Oxford United and Swansea City will be played on Nov 2, 2024 and kick off at 12:30. Check below for our tipsters best Oxford United vs Swansea City prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
