Tuesday may have left many feeling disappointed as Blackpool crashed out of the Carabao Cup at the hands of Macclesfield, but the result will do little to dent a promising start for the Seasiders. Blackpool are top of the league, scoring goals and have the opportunity to not only put things right against a solid Oxford side and maintain a 100% record in League One.
Macclesfield, who have since seen manager Sol Campbell depart due to what one can only assume was wage issues, were extraordinarily lucky. Blackpool dominated throughout and were undone by two costly mistakes. It really is as simple as that. Perhaps it could be argued Blackpool were a little lightweight offensively, but this is harsh considering how unfortunate they were.
There is no need to dwindle on what is forgone though with so much to look forward to. Oxford are likely Blackpool's most challenging opponents yet, making for what promises to be another entertaining game. Grayson will be looking for an instant response from his players and I reckon he might well get it.
Injuries and Suspensions:
James Husband causes a problem at left back after picking up a 3 game suspension for his superfluous tackle at Southend.
Matty Virtue is likely to miss another match week.
Jay Spearing and Joe Nuttall have both picked up knocks and could go either way.
Oxford are likely to pick a similar side to the one that beat Peterborough last weekend, with no fresh injury issues.
The History:
Founded in 1893, Oxford were known in their formative years as Headington. The U's have had reasonable cup success recently, finishing 2nd in the Football League Trophy in two consecutive seasons. The first time they got this far in the competition, in the 2016/17 season, they simultaneously achieved promotion to League One.
They have been progressive since that promotion, first finishing 16th and then achieving a top half finish last time out . Oxford play their home football at the 12,500 capacity Kassam Stadium where they have played since 2001.
The club's golden years came under the managership of Jim Smith, who achieved successive promotions taking Oxford to the Top Flight for the first time in its history. When Smith stepped down he was replaced by Maurice Evans who succeeded Smith extremely well. He kept Oxford in Division One and, more impressively, led the club to the League Cup title in the 1986/87 season.
The Manager:
Karl Robinson, who spent part of his youth career at Blackpool, spent his playing career in non-league. He predominantly played as a striker, but could also be deployed in midfield and was known for his powerful style of play.
Robinson has been more successful as a manager and coach and began his coaching career at Liverpool youth. He would then move on to being a coach at Blackburn before being appointed in his first managers position in 2010 at MK Dons. He succeeded former Pool manager Paul Ince after being his assistant and, at just 29 years old, he became the youngest manager across the entire EFL.
He led MK Dons to the Championship in 2015, but following relegation and a poor start to the next season he was sacked. He oversaw 346 matches at the club, in which he guided them to the Championship for the first time, and this led to his next job at Charlton. There he lasted less than two seasons, eventually departing by mutual consent, before joining Oxford in March 2018.
Star Men:
Cameron Brannagan:
The Liverpool youth product has been on fine form early this season, with 2 goals in his 3 appearances so far. The 23 year old, who spent time on loan at Fleetwood, joined in January 2018 and has proved an exciting prospect. He has since played 68 times for the club, scoring 8 goals and assisting a further 6.
Ben Woodburn:
The Liverpool loanee and Champions League winner has assisted once in his first three appearance in an encouraging start at Oxford. Having spent time at Sheffield United the 19 year old Welshamn will be hoping for a successful season at Oxford to back up his promising youth team performances. Being somewhat of an unkown quantity, Woodburn could prove a real danger for Blackpool.
Tariqe Fosu:
The winger has also enjoyed a fast start at Oxford, having joined from Charlton in the Summer. Fosu has 1 goal in his first 2 games and makes up part of a dangerous Oxford attack. The 23 year old has also played for Colchester, Accrington Stanley, Fleetwood and Reading and has never really established consistent game time. He will be looking to cement his starting spot further on Saturday.
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