Oxford United and Stevenage are set to meet in the FA Cup at Kassam Stadium on Saturday 7 November, with kick-off scheduled for 16:00. It is a straightforward cup tie on paper, but the recent form of both sides gives the match a little more weight heading into the weekend.
Oxford come into the game after beating Reading 2-0 at home in League One at Kassam Stadium. That result continued a solid run for Oxford in this fixture, and it also kept their recent head-to-head advantage over Stevenage intact.
In the last three meetings between the sides, Oxford have two wins and one draw. Their most recent encounter ended in a 2-1 away win at Lamex Stadium, which gives them a useful reference point before this latest cup meeting.
Stevenage arrive after a useful away draw
Stevenage also had a positive result before this match, drawing 2-2 away against Leicester City at King Power Stadium. That result suggests they are capable of competing on the road, even if this fixture now shifts to a different setting and a different competition.
With Oxford and Stevenage both operating as League One clubs, the FA Cup tie at Kassam Stadium brings together two sides who know each other reasonably well. The confirmed fixture time and venue make it an immediate focus for supporters following the competition, especially with both teams coming in off competitive recent results.
Mark Harris is one of the Oxford players to keep an eye on. He has netted five goals in his past ten matches, which gives Oxford an attacking threat that could matter in a tight cup game.
As with many FA Cup fixtures between familiar opponents, small details could decide it. Oxford have the head-to-head edge, Stevenage have shown they can produce results away from home, and the 16:00 kickoff at Kassam Stadium should set up an interesting afternoon.
