Key events
Team news
Oxford United (4-2-3-1): Cumming; Long, Helik, Nelson, Bennett; Brannagan, Vaulks; Placheta, Matos, Goodrham; Harris.
Subs: Ingram, Phillips, Romeny, El Mizouni, Rodrigues, Leigh, Kioso, Bradshaw, Mills.
Leeds United (4-2-3-1): Darlow; Bogle, Rodon, Ampadu, Firpo; Tanaka, Gruev; Gnonto, Aaronson, Solomon; Piroe.
Subs: Meslier, Byram, Schmidt, Wober, Guilavogui, James, Ramazani, Joseph, Bamford.
Referee: Dean Whitestone (Northamptonshire)
Preamble
It’s a marathon, not a sprint – but this season’s Championship promotion race has felt more like an Ironman endurance battle, an initial pack of four teams eventually shedding Sunderland, with Leeds wobbling dramatically before Sheffield United took an unexpected spill. The Blades are in action at home to Cardiff right now, and still have to visit leaders Burnley on Easter Monday.
For Leeds, the equation is simple enough. Despite a run of one victory in six after winning at Bramall Lane in February, wins over Middlesbrough and Preston have given Daniel Farke’s side a priceless advantage in the top-two race; with four games to go, they just need to keep winning and put the permutations aside.
Tonight’s opponents, Oxford United, are on the fringes of the relegation battle, kicking off here five points clear of danger. Gary Rowett’s side are a tough proposition at home, where they have earned 10 of their 12 league wins this season. It was their 1-0 win over Sheffield United that kickstarted the Blades’ slide; can they put another spanner in the works here tonight? Kick-off is at 8pm, BST.