Third Spherical FA Cup The weekend takes place in such a approach that the highest 5 golf equipment are nonetheless alive within the competitors. Premier League sides take part at this level within the event as Arsenal go to Oxford United on Monday night.

Oxford United are at present ranked 14th in League One (tier three) with seven wins, eight attracts and 9 losses. They’re within the FA Cup tie after successful simply one in every of their final 5 video games, together with a loss to Exeter Metropolis at house on New 12 months’s Day. Oxford first beat Nationwide League aspect (tier 5) Woking away to achieve that spot within the competitors. They then hosted at house beating Exeter Metropolis 4 to 1.

We spoke with the Sky Sports activities Soccer host and one of many occasion’s hosts to tell us all about Oxford United. Not the Top 20 podcasts, George Sieve.

TSF: The membership gained the ultimate spherical at house and obtained a go to from Arsenal, at present on the high of the Premier League. What was the climate like main as much as this match and the way troublesome is it to get tickets to Kassam Stadium on Monday?

GE: I am fortunate to have a Season Move so I can simply get it because it sells out so quick! Everybody is basically enthusiastic about this and we have been blessed with some large cup wins at Oxford in recent times. Within the final ten years now we have crushed West Ham 4-0, Newcastle 3-0 after which Premier League Swansea 3-2, all at house.

Prior to those video games, there was cautious optimism in regards to the membership’s good efficiency within the league, but this recreation places a little bit of a break from a disappointing season. The connection between the followers and supervisor Karl Robinson has deteriorated and the overall disinterest across the membership has overshadowed what ought to have been thrilling time with new house owners for Oxford and a stadium transfer on the horizon. We do not count on a lot, however we’re trying ahead to welcoming one of the best workforce within the nation proper now.

TSF: This season, Oxford is within the center in League One with an virtually equal win-draw-lose report and aim distinction. Are you able to give us an outline of how they play soccer and their typical formation?

GE: Usually it is 4-3-3, however often we went again to 5. We have been a possession-focused offensive workforce within the final seasons beneath Robinson, however for some motive that wasn’t the case this time round. We struggled to create possibilities and sacrificed that offensive mentality to strengthen the protection.

Naturally I might count on us to again off a bit in opposition to Arsenal and play on the counter every time potential and this might result in a return to 5-3-2, which we’ve not seen in a couple of weeks. . I want I may provide you with extra perception into our enjoying model, however one of many fundamental criticisms from followers this season is the dearth of a transparent identification.

TSF: Cameron Brannagan leads the membership with eight targets this season, proper behind Billy Bodin with seven targets and two assists. However who’re the important thing gamers throughout the sector that Arsenal followers ought to watch on Monday?

GE: Arsenal followers will keep in mind Marcus McGuane beginning on the backside of the midfield. It is nonetheless clear to see the standard he has and why Barcelona moved to get him from Arsenal, however he is struggling to make an influence on the video games as any proficient individual ought to, however he’ll make look right here.

Josh Murphy has been disappointing since summer season arrived, struggling for type and health, however these days we have seen the glimmer of his abilities which meant he was seen as Jacob’s higher double again in his Norwich days. Lewis Bate is a younger midfielder on mortgage. Leeds The participant who nonetheless has excessive hopes and has a transparent high quality. Striker Matty Taylor is our greatest menace and can do every thing in his energy to wrap each Arsenal’s protection and the followers.

TSF: Oxford was based in 1893. Maybe their finest sequence was within the mid-80s once they gained the second and third divisions and the League Cup. Past the highest information, what’s it that Arsenal followers have to learn about Oxford United however maybe most outsiders do not?

GE: Once we misplaced 3-1 to Man Metropolis within the Carabao Cup in 2019, our 18 pictures had been the very best any workforce had ever taken in opposition to Pep Guardiola (perhaps not anymore!)

TSF: Give us your predicted beginning 11 for Oxford United and who will win the draw?

GE: McGinty – Anderson – Moore – Lengthy – Brown – Bate – McGuane – Brannagan – Murphy -Taylor – Bodin

Arsenal [win] cosily – I might take us to attain a aim!

Because of George Sieve Good luck to Oxford United in League One this season and for taking the time to speak to us.