Oxford United vs Middlesbrough Prediction: Middlesbrough aiming for third win in a row

Oxford United will welcome Middlesbrough at Kassam Stadium in Game Week 16 of the English Championship. Middlesbrough would want to win thrid in a row. Who will come out on top after 90 minutes?

Des Buckingham would have jumped at the chance to be in Oxford's position at the moment as they go into the November international break sitting two points clear of the relegation zone. That is even though they have only taken a single victory in their last 10 games, which was at home against Hull City in a 1-0 win on November 5.

Their survival hopes have rested significantly on their performance at the Kassam Stadium, which has brought 15 points from eight games - much better than they might have anticipated. Buckingham can take heart, too, from the fact Oxford have not allowed more than two goals in any of those encounters, though they have netted only two clean sheets.

In their last game, Oxford conceded a narrow 1-0 loss to promotion challengers Watford, but they may have reasons to be optimistic ahead of the games against other teams that are now in great form.

Cumming; Avest, Nelson, Moore, Brown; Vaulks, McEachran; Goodrham, El Mizouni, Leigh; Scarlett

Earlier in the season, Middlesbrough were struggling to score enough goals, but in the last three matches, they enjoyed scoring nine goals in victories against Queens Park Rangers and Luton Town.

Despite a recent 3-0 home defeat to Coventry City, Middlesbrough have now accrued 24 points from 15 games and seem to be on the right course. With a sixth-best away record in the league, they will be entering their next game with confidence and aggression.

 Dieng; Djiksteel, Edmundson, Clarke, Ayling; Morris, Hackney; Doak, Azaz, Burgzorg; Latte Lath

Buckingham is expected to revert to Oxford's usual 4-2-3-1 formation after the back three used in the last game. El Mizouni should return to the starting, possibly at the cost of Kioso. Brannagan and Placheta are only likely from the bench if they are recovered enough from injury. Hackney and Morris are unsure due to injuries sustained while away with the national teams. Howson and Barlaser have come into contention as a result, with the latter possibly being an alteration in and of itself. Despite Oxford's fine home form, Middlesbrough must not view them lightly. But we do forecast a Middlesbrough win.