Kassam Stadium | Saturday 13 September, 12:30pm
A big afternoon in OX4 as the U’s welcome Leicester City for a lunchtime kick off. Oxford arrive off a battling 2–2 draw with Coventry, while the Foxes make the short trip buoyed by three wins in four.
Form Guide – Snapshot
- Oxford United: One point from the last four league games (D1, L3), with 4 goals scored and 7 conceded across that spell. The impressive fightback to draw against Coventry offered clear positives to build on.
- Leicester City: W3 L1 in the last four; tight at the back (just 3 conceded) and efficient in both boxes. Their season stats show an average of 59% possession and 13 shots per game so far.
The Rivalry – A Quick History Hit
The two Clubs have shared some classics. Oxford fans of a certain vintage will remember 24 August 1985, when the U’s thumped Leicester 5–0 at the Manor; later that season came the breathless 4–4 at Filbert Street. More recently, the sides drew 2–2 at the Manor on 23 April 1994, a reminder of how finely poised this matchup can be. Overall, the historical head-to-head is tight, with Leicester edging more wins, but United have claimed some landmark results.
The Connections – Worn Both Badges
- Matt Elliott: A terrace favourite who moved to Leicester for a then club-record sale in January 1997 and later captained the Foxes to the 2000 League Cup with two goals in the final.
- Phil Gilchrist: A rock at the Manor alongside Elliott, part of the 1995/96 promotion campaign before switching to Leicester in 1999 (and later returning to Oxford United).
Tactical View — How Leicester Play
1) Leicester have been excellent at managing games once ahead. Their recent numbers show strong control of possession (~59% average) and a knack for pinning opponents back with a steady shot volume (≈13 attempts per match).
2) Issahaku Fatawu has made a sharp start (two league goals already) and typically operates from the right, driving inside onto his left.
3) Leicester retain size and threat from restarts — Vestergaard and Faes are constant aerial targets.
4) When Leicester’s full-backs step high (notably Ricardo Pereira), space can appear behind their first line of pressure. Quick diagonals to isolate the far-side centre-back, plus aggression on the second ball, can create the kind of broken‑play chances that shift momentum at the Kassam.
Leicester’s Danger Man — Issahaku Fatawu
Direct, brave and excellent in one‑v‑one duels, the 21‑year‑old has already been decisive this season — scoring at Charlton and opening the scoring vs Birmingham at the King Power. His take-ons open space for cut-backs, and he’s varied his delivery: low whipped crosses to the six-yard line and early shots when defenders back off. Expect Leicester to isolate him wide and rotate runners to flood the box.
By the Numbers — Fast Facts
- Kick-off: Saturday 13 September, 12:30pm at the Kassam Stadium.
- Recent form (last four): Oxford D1 L3; Leicester W3 L1.
- Possession & tempo: Leicester average ~59% possession this season — among the league’s more controlling sides.
- Historic classics: Oxford 5–0 Leicester (24 Aug 1985); Leicester 4–4 Oxford (2 Oct 1985).
- Last home win vs Foxes: Oxford 4–2 Leicester (Division Two, 21 Mar 1990).
- Shared heroes: Matt Elliott (Oxford → Leicester, LCFC captain & 2000 League Cup match-winner); Phil Gilchrist (Oxford stalwart & 1999 move to Leicester).
Voices from the Camp:
Watch Gary Rowett & Filip Krastev’s full press conferences below:
