Leeds United v Oxford United: Prediction, Tips and Odds

Leeds United will want to keep their foot down in the push for automatic promotion when they welcome relegation-threatened Oxford United to Elland Road for Championship action on Saturday afternoon.

The Whites sit second in the table, three points behind leaders Sheffield United and a point ahead of third-placed Burnley, while the U's are hovering just two positions above the relegation zone.

Oxford's owners decided to part ways with manager Des Buckingham last Sunday, a day after the 3-1 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday, and have turned to Gary Rowett in a bid to preserve their Championship status.

This looks like a tall order for the visitors to come away with a positive result, but it may not be as plain sailing for Leeds as some are predicting and patience could be the key word for the hosts.

Leeds United v Oxford United betting tips and predictions

Half Time/Full Time - Draw/Leeds United - 13/5

It can be a tricky task going up against a team with a new manager and that is the challenge facing Leeds when they host Oxford.

One of Rowett's key principles is defensive organisation and there is sure to be some extra effort put in from the team, especially in the opening 45 minutes at Elland Road.

The U's have been level at the break in their last two matches, before going on to lose them both, while they have also been drawing at half time in three of their last five away assignments.

It would be no surprise to see them frustrate Leeds for the first half in West Yorkshire before the quality of Daniel Farke's side eventually tells, as it has done for many of their matches at Elland Road.

The Whites have the joint-best home record in the Championship, collecting 28 points from a possible 33 on offer, with a 3-3 draw against Portsmouth and a 1-0 defeat to Burnley the only dropped points in front of their own fans.

With some tricky fixtures to come for Leeds during this busy period of the season, they may take a little bit of time to get going before turning it on in the second half.

Under 3.5 cards - 5/6

Oxford have been the most disciplined side in the Championship this season, picking up a league-low 31 yellow cards at an average of just 1.55 per match.

The U's haven't received a booking in two of their last three matches and the last time they were handed three or more cautions in a single game was against West Brom on 19th October.

Leeds have also stayed on the right side of the referee with 37 yellows coming their way, an average of 1.76 per contest, and they haven't picked up more than one booking in each of their last three contests.

This has the makings of being a fair meeting and under 3.5 cards looks to be the betting route to go down at Elland Road.

Dan James anytime goalscorer - 15/8

Leeds have shared around their 37 Championship goals this term with no less than 13 different players getting in on the act, and one of those individuals could add to his tally.

That person is Wales international Dan James, who has been a driving force for the club with four goals and two assists registered from 15 league appearances.

The 27-year-old's last three goals have all come at Elland Road, netting in wins over Plymouth Argyle, Luton Town and Middlesbrough, and he clearly turns on the style in front of an expectant crowd.

Going up against an Oxford defence that has conceded 33 goals, speedster James will be licking his lips at the prospect of notching for the fifth time this term.

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Leeds United v Oxford United odds

Leeds United - 1/7
Draw - 13/2
Oxford United - 18/1

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.