OXFORD, ENGLAND - JANUARY 04: Oxford United players observe a minute of silence in support of the Heads Up campaign and to remember those with a connection to Oxford United FC that passed away in 2019 prior to the FA Cup Third Round match between Oxford United and Hartlepool at Kassam Stadium on January 04, 2020 in Oxford, England. (Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images)
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All the build-up, action and reaction as Oxford United prepare for their first home game of season, as they welcome newly promoted Carlisle United.
Liam Manning’s side have endured a slow start to the season, losing at Cambridge United last weekend and against Bristol City in the Carabao Cup in midweek.
Oxford United (20th) v Carlisle United (12th)
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Before then, you have to go back to an FA Cup defeat at Brentford in January 2019 and 1-1 draw at home Crawley Town, in League Two in August 2015, to find U’s games refereed by Simpson.
The last match he took charge of involving United was the 1-1 draw at Sunderland in December 2021.
Jeremy Simpson is this afternoon’s referee. Working mainly in the Championship, he didn’t oversee a U’s game last season.
The clubs last met in the fourth tier during the 2015/16 season.
A 1-1 draw here in December was followed by a 2-0 win for the U’s in the reverse fixture in April.
An early Chris Maguire penalty and Liam Sercombe strike saw United’s automatic promotion push go down to the final day of the season.
United’s home record against the visitors is impressive though, with the U’s unbeaten in nine games, a run which started in 1982.
However, when cup games are thrown in, Carlisle move onto 17 wins thanks to League Cup wins in both 1970 and 1971.
It’s a close head-to-head record but one the visitors just about shade.
In league action, both teams have won on 15 occasions, with 12 draws.
On that note, it’s time to get some team news. Back shortly.
“I see the work every day and I see the quality of the lads, so I’m confident that they’ll turn it round.”
At yesterday’s press conference, Manning said he is confident that his playing style will bring results at United.
“For me, it’s just speculation and noise. I’ve not had anybody speak to me regarding it so until that happens, there’s not a lot to say on it really.”
Following Alex Scott’s £25 million move from Bristol City to Premier League side AFC Bournemouth, U’s midfielder Cameron Brannagan has been spoken about as a possible replacement at Ashton Gate.
Manning though has dismissed the online chatter as ‘just speculation and noise’.
Cameron Brannagan has been linked with a move to Bristol City (Image: Mike Allen)
“You’ve got to try your best and do what you can to try and get in the team.”
Billy Bodin meanwhile is relishing the battle for the shirt with summer signing Ruben Rodrigues.
Billy Bodin celebrates with his Oxford United teammates at Bristol City (Image: Steve Edmunds)
“All the good work that we have done in pre-season and all the bits we have learnt, it’s now about not panicking and being rash with how we feel on things.”
Manning says now is not the time to panic after a slow start for United.
Oxford United head coach Liam Manning applauds the away support at Bristol City (Image: Steve Edmunds)
“There was some outbreaks of real quality and what you can’t do is give away terrible goals at crucial times.”
See what Liam Manning had to say after the thumping loss at Bristol City here
United were sent tumbling out of the Carabao Cup in the first round after a thrashing at the hands of Bristol City in midweek.
Read our match report from Ashton Gate here
Oxford United exited the Carabao Cup at the hands of Bristol City (Image: Steve Edmunds)
Now let’s have a quick recap of events at United over the past few days.
Some early team news before we bring you it in full. Cameron Brannagan and Jordan Thorniley are doubts after picking up knocks in the Carabao Cup defeat at Bristol City.
Marcus Browne and Josh McEachran were rested in midweek, but should be available this afternoon.
We don’t expect James Henry to be risked as he continues to recover from a slight ankle problem.
Good afternoon everyone and welcome back to Grenoble Road for Oxford United’s first home game of the 2023/24 season.
After two games and two defeats on the road so far, the U’s will be hoping home backing can steer them to three points this afternoon.
You can follow the updates here and comment below, or tweet @OxfordMailOUFC, to have your say.
