The Championship continues with an intriguing clash at Deepdale as Preston North End host Oxford United in Matchday 36. The home side sit mid-table with 49 points, while the visitors are fighting to escape the relegation zone with 32. Both teams are eager to turn their recent form around, making this encounter a crucial one for their respective ambitions.

Preston North End’s Recent Form and Key Stats

Preston North End come into this fixture after a disappointing 0–2 home defeat to Millwall, a result that extended their winless streak to four matches (two draws and two losses). Despite this, their overall season record remains balanced with 12 wins, 13 draws, and 10 defeats, averaging 1.2 goals scored and 1.1 conceded per game. Their recent five-match run shows one victory, two draws, and two losses, with an average of 0.8 goals scored and 1.2 conceded per match.

At Deepdale, Preston have shown resilience, avoiding defeat in two of their last three home games. Historically, they have also enjoyed the upper hand in this fixture, winning three of their last five meetings with Oxford United and drawing one. Their earlier away victory over Oxford this season adds confidence as they look to bounce back in front of their supporters.

• Ranking: 11th in the Championship


• Last 5 matches: 1 win, 2 draws, 2 defeats


• Average goals: 1.2 scored, 1.1 conceded per match


• Last head-to-head: 1–2 away win on December 13, 2025

With a 17-point cushion over their opponents, Preston’s focus will be on regaining consistency and capitalising on home advantage to strengthen their position in the top half of the table.

Oxford United’s Recent Form and Key Stats

Oxford United arrive at Deepdale buoyed by a morale-boosting 2–1 win over West Bromwich Albion, which ended a seven-match winless run across all competitions. That victory narrowed the gap to safety to just three points, keeping their survival hopes alive. However, their overall record this season remains concerning: seven wins, eleven draws, and seventeen defeats, with an average of 0.9 goals scored and 1.3 conceded per game.

On the road, Oxford’s struggles have been evident. They are winless in their last four away matches and have failed to win in seven of their last eight overall. Their last two visits to Preston also ended without victory, underlining the challenge they face. Despite this, their recent success against West Brom could serve as a turning point if they can build momentum.

• Ranking: 23rd in the Championship


• Last 5 matches: 1 win, 1 draw, 3 defeats


• Average goals: 0.9 scored, 1.3 conceded per match


• Under 3.5 goals: in 23 of their last 24 matches


• Over 7.5 corners: in 31 of their last 33 matches

Oxford’s defensive approach has kept most of their games low-scoring, with under 3.5 goals recorded in nearly all of their recent fixtures. However, their lack of attacking consistency remains a major obstacle, especially away from home.

Preston North End vs Oxford United Analysis and Prediction

This fixture brings together two sides with contrasting objectives but similar recent struggles. Preston North End are looking to end their winless run and reassert their home dominance, while Oxford United are desperate to build on their recent win and climb out of the relegation zone. The hosts’ superior league position and stronger head-to-head record make them favourites, but Oxford’s fighting spirit could make this a tighter contest than expected.

Statistically, both teams have been involved in low-scoring matches recently. Oxford’s trend of under 3.5 goals in 23 of their last 24 games suggests another cautious affair, while Preston’s modest scoring rate reinforces the likelihood of a close result. Corners could be plentiful, as Oxford’s matches frequently surpass the 7.5 mark, but goals may remain scarce.

Given the data and recent performances, Preston’s home advantage and better overall form should give them the edge. Oxford’s away record and defensive tendencies point towards a narrow home win in a low-scoring encounter.

Preston North End vs Oxford United prediction by BetMines:
Home Win (1) with 42% probability.