Peterborough v Oxford: Prediction, Tips and Odds

Oxford hold a narrow 1-0 advantage after the home leg of their League One, play-off semi-final against Peterborough and they will look to finish the job with at least a draw at the Weston Homes Stadium.

The Yellows are hoping to build on a three-game unbeaten sequence but they will be anticipating a reaction from Posh, who will be anxious to avoid being eliminated at the semi-final stage for a second successive season.

Peterborough v Oxford betting tips and predictions

Peterborough v Oxford draw - 12/5

Oxford registered a hard-fought single goal success at home to Peterborough on Saturday and they can maintain the advantage by drawing the second leg.

Confidence has been building in the Oxford ranks as a consequence of their strong finish to the regular season.

The Yellows have lost only one of their last nine games and are unbeaten on their travels since a 5-0 reverse at Bolton almost two months ago.

There must have been a temptation for Oxford manager Des Buckingham to go on the defensive after his team’s hammering at the hands of the Trotters.

Instead he selected an ultra-attacking line up for the next game, away to Port Vale, and he was rewarded with a well-deserved 2-0 victory which marked a turning point in the campaign.

Buckingham’s standard formation for the run-in was a 4-1-4-1 with two wingers and two number 10s, and it worked a treat with Oxford collecting 17 points from their final eight league games.

Oxford have looked fluid in attack and, by getting onto the front foot, they have eased their workload in defence.

The first leg against Peterborough was a game of fine margins with neither team prepared to play an open game.

But Oxford managed to get the all-important goal and it puts them in a strong position, because they have a habit of kicking on from winning positions.

In 11 away league games when they have scored the first goal, Oxford have claimed nine wins and two draws.

And they have a good chance of striking the first blow against the Posh, who have conceded the opening goal in five of their last six fixtures.

Peterborough were pushing for automatic promotion for large parts of the season but they seemed to lose their way either side of their 2-1 success over Wycombe in the EFL Trophy final.

They registered just four wins from their final nine league games and are in danger of being held by Oxford, who look the more likely team to set up a trip to Wembley.

Mark Harris to score any time - 11/5

Oxford centre-forward Mark Harris has enjoyed by far his best season as a professional, scoring 15 goals in 43 League One appearances, and he looks a tempting 11/5 shot to add to his tally.

Harris was recruited last summer from Cardiff where he had scored just nine Championship goals across the last three seasons.

He has benefited from playing more regular football and is thriving on the excellent service from the players around him.

The 25-year-old forward finished the regular season strongly, scoring six goals in his last six league games, and looks like offering a significant goal threat as the Yellows seek to extend their slender advantage.

Cameron Brannagan to be carded - 12/5

Oxford’s bold approach asks a lot of their solitary holding midfielder, Cameron Brannagan, who plays a crucial role in shielding the back four.

Brannagan will need to be on his toes because Peterborough possess some pacy attacking players and are especially dangerous on counter-attacks.

There might be a necessity for Brannagan to make the occasional tactical foul and he is unlikely to shirk the responsibility.

The 27-year-old has collected nine League One yellow cards this season and another could follow against the Posh.

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Peterborough v Oxford odds

Peterborough - 11/10
Draw - 12/5
Oxford - 23/10

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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.