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Burnley aim to regain momentum in the Championship promotion battle as they face off against Oxford United.

Nolan James    Feb 3

Burnley’s Promotion Push: Strong Defense, Lackluster Attack

Current Standing and Season Overview

Burnley sit 3rd in the Championship with 58 points from 30 matches. While their position in the table reflects a successful season, Scott Parker’s tenure has been divisive. The Clarets boast an incredible defensive record, conceding just nine goals all season—one of the best in Championship history. However, their attacking struggles are evident, with only 36 goals scored and an astonishing ten 0-0 draws.

Burnley’s style of play has often appeared less than the sum of its parts in attack, but their rock-solid defense may still be enough to secure promotion. Midfielder Josh Brownhill leads the team in scoring with nine league goals. Statistically, Burnley have the second-best expected goals against (1.03 xGA per game) but rank only 11th in expected goals (1.32 xG).

Despite suffering just two defeats—the fewest in the league—Burnley’s 13 draws, the second-most in the division, could jeopardize their promotion hopes. They will be eager to bounce back from yet another 0-0 draw last time out and are favorites heading into this clash.

Oxford United’s Championship Survival Bid

Solid Season Amid Managerial Change

Oxford United currently occupy 16th place in the Championship with 37 points from 30 matches. Following their promotion from League One last season, the U’s have enjoyed a commendable campaign, albeit with some turbulence. A managerial change saw Des Buckingham dismissed around Christmas due to concerns over declining form, with Gary Rowett taking over. Under Rowett, Oxford have surged up the table and now sit ten points clear of the relegation zone, making Championship survival highly likely.

While their attacking struggles persist—having netted just 34 goals—Oxford’s defensive vulnerabilities are also a concern, with 44 goals conceded, making them one of the league’s weaker defenses. Mark Harris and Greg Leigh, with five goals each, are the team’s joint top scorers, highlighting their offensive inefficiency.

Encouragingly, Oxford have lost only once since Rowett’s appointment, and that was against league leaders Leeds United. With an unbeaten run of nine matches, they will quietly believe they can secure a positive result.

Recent Form and Key Results

Burnley’s Last Five Matches

  • Portsmouth (A) - 0-0 Draw
  • Leeds United (H) - 0-0 Draw (No shots on target)
  • Plymouth Argyle (A) - 5-0 Win (Braces from Zian Flemming and Josh Laurent, plus a goal from Josh Cullen)
  • Sunderland (H) - 0-0 Draw
  • Reading (A) - 3-1 Win (Goals from Lyle Foster and Zian Flemming)

Notably, Burnley have drawn four of their last five home games 0-0, emphasizing their defensive dominance but attacking limitations.

Oxford United’s Last Five Matches

  • Bristol City (H) - 1-1 Draw (Greg Leigh scored before conceding against ten men)
  • Stoke City (A) - 0-0 Draw
  • Luton Town (H) - 3-2 Win (Goals from MichaƂ Helik, Ciaron Brown, and Greg Leigh)
  • Blackburn Rovers (A) - 1-0 Win (Cameron Brannagan free-kick)
  • Plymouth Argyle (A) - 1-1 Draw (Goal from Will Vaulks)

Oxford’s away form remains a concern, with just one win on the road all season.

Match Prediction: Defense vs. Attack Struggles

Burnley’s defensive resilience is unmatched, with eight consecutive clean sheets. Given Oxford’s away struggles and Burnley’s home trend of 0-0 results, the Clarets are expected to control the game. They should have enough to secure all three points, but breaking Oxford down could be another challenge.

Burnley 2-0 Oxford

 

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