Oxford United take on Bristol City at Ashton gate tomorrow

The U’s will face their former manager, Liam Manning

Ashton Gate Stadium
Author: Callum McIntyrePublished 20th Sep 2024

Oxford United head over to Ashton Gate to face Bristol City tomorrow at three o'clock as they are looking to pick up their first points on the road.

They will be reunited by former U's boss Liam Manning, who will be sat in the opposing dugout.

United currently sit 7th in the Championship and have sold their full allocation of around 3,600 tickets, so there promises to be a great atmosphere in the away end.

Manager, Des Buckingham said: “We’re looking to carry on the performances that have got us the points on the board so far.

“I think we’ve shown a really good account of ourselves across in the first five league games.

“We’re coming off the back of two good wins and we want to go to Bristol and put another good account of ourselves forward.

“The ultimate aim is to win the game, if we can come away from there with that it would be great. If not, the minimum is a draw to come away from”.

Des Buckingham also told us how much he is looking forward to the challenge:

Oxford United

The elephant in the room for United is the role that Liam Manning will play on Saturday, after his departure left some supporters unhappy.

Midfielder, Josh McEachran was signed by Manning and has also played under him at MK Dons.

However, when asked if there will be too much noise around Liam Manning at the weekend, he said: “I’m not too sure.

“We’re just focusing on the game really, there’s three points up for grabs and we’re looking at it like no other game.

“We’re going there to win obviously, play our game, and that’s what we’re looking forward to.”

In terms of injuries for United, there’s doubts over whether midfielder Cameron Brannagan will be able to play at the weekend.

It’s after he went off injured during last Saturday's 1-0 win over Stoke City.

Bristol City

The Robins feature a number of former Oxford players among their ranks, with some that have only just left during the recent transfer window.

Among them, Marcus McGuane who is yet to make his debut and Rob Atkinson who is out with injury.

Rob Dickie hasn't featured either since going off during the 1-1 draw with Coventry City on 24 August.

However, Mark Sykes has played in all five league games so far for City.

Manning said: “Oxford have started the season well. They’re obviously a club I know well, and players that I know well. They’ve stepped up and done well so far.”

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