{"id":1420426,"date":"2025-12-22T14:15:03","date_gmt":"2025-12-22T14:15:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/?post_type=news&#038;p=1420426"},"modified":"2025-12-22T14:15:05","modified_gmt":"2025-12-22T14:15:05","slug":"match-preview-oxford-vs-southampton-26-12-25-championship","status":"publish","type":"news","link":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/match-preview-oxford-vs-southampton-26-12-25-championship\/","title":{"rendered":"Oxford United vs Southampton: predictions, stats, tips &#038; odds"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>Oxford United welcome Southampton to the Kassam Stadium on Boxing Day, with both sides looking to steer their seasons in the right direction. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For Oxford, the challenge is clear: halt a slide that has left them rooted near the foot of the table. Southampton, meanwhile, arrive in the better form, eyeing a push into the top half after a strong attacking campaign led by the division\u2019s top scorer. Kick-off is set for 26 December, promising a festive clash with plenty at stake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-best-bets-amp-predictions\">Best Bets &amp; Predictions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Based on clear statistical edges in attack and overall quality, here are our top betting recommendations for this clash. We&#8217;re especially confident backing Southampton to win, given their vastly superior firepower and creative output this season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\">\n<table class=\"has-fixed-layout\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Our Prediction<\/th>\n<th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Odds &amp; Bookmaker<\/th>\n<th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Confidence<\/th>\n<th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Why We&#8217;re Backing It<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Southampton to Win<\/strong><\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><a href=\"\/en\/go\/bet365?q=gb-all-con-wof-s-spo\">8\/11 @ Bet365<\/a><br>(57.9%)<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Backing Saints&#8217; superior attack (36 goals, 22 assists) and league-leading scorer Armstrong.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Over 2.5 Goals<\/strong><\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><a href=\"\/en\/go\/bet365?q=gb-all-con-wof-s-spo\">8\/11 @ Bet365<\/a><br>(57.9%)<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Both sides combine for 58 goals in 22 each; attacks outweigh defences.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><small>Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.<\/small><\/p>\n\n\n    <div class=\"sq-toplist\">\n        <div class=\"sq-toplist__items\">\n\t\t\t    <div\n            class=\"sq-toplist__item\"\n            data-entity-id=\"1381273\"\n            data-offer-id=\"1381470\"\n    >\n\t\t        <div class=\"sq-toplist__item-container\">\n            <div class=\"sq-toplist__offer\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"\/en\/go\/bet365?q=gb-all-con-wof-s-spo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" data-brand=\"bet365\"data-placement=\"football-ai-pre-game\" data-rating=\"9.5\" data-position=\"1\" data-placement-details=\"logo\" class=\"sq-toplist__logo\" style=\"background:#01644a\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/04\/29162841\/bet365.svg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"Bet365 Logo\" \/><\/a>\t\t\t\t                <div class=\"sq-toplist__offer-box\">\n                    <span class=\"sq-toplist__bookmaker\">\n                        <a href=\"\/en\/go\/bet365?q=gb-all-con-wof-s-spo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" data-brand=\"bet365\"data-placement=\"football-ai-pre-game\" data-rating=\"9.5\" data-position=\"1\" data-placement-details=\"brand_name\">bet365<\/a>                    <\/span>\n                    <span class=\"sq-toplist__offer-title is-tablet-visible\">\n                        <a href=\"\/en\/go\/bet365?q=gb-all-con-wof-s-spo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" data-brand=\"bet365\"data-placement=\"football-ai-pre-game\" data-rating=\"9.5\" data-position=\"1\" data-placement-details=\"offer\">Use Bonus Code SQUAWKA365<\/a>                    <\/span>\n                <\/div>\n                <span class=\"sq-toplist__offer-title is-mobile-visible\">\n                    <a href=\"\/en\/go\/bet365?q=gb-all-con-wof-s-spo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" data-brand=\"bet365\"data-placement=\"football-ai-pre-game\" data-rating=\"9.5\" data-position=\"1\" data-placement-details=\"offer\">Use Bonus Code SQUAWKA365<\/a>                <\/span>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"sq-toplist__buttons\">\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"\/en\/go\/bet365?q=gb-all-con-wof-s-spo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" data-brand=\"bet365\"data-placement=\"football-ai-pre-game\" data-rating=\"9.5\" data-position=\"1\" data-placement-details=\"cta\" class=\"sq-btn sq-btn--secondary sq-btn--full\">Claim Offer<\/a>                <div class=\"sq-rating\">\n                    <span class=\"sq-rating__text\">Our Score<\/span>\n                    <span class=\"sq-rating__value\">9.5<\/span>\n                <\/div>\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/betting-sites\/bet365-review\/\" class=\"sq-review-link\">\n                    <span>Read our review<\/span>\n                <\/a>\n            <\/div>\n\t\t\t        <ul class=\"sq-toplist__features\">\n                            <li class=\"sq-toplist__features-item\">Bet \u00a310 get \u00a330<\/li>\n                            <li class=\"sq-toplist__features-item\">Excellent Football Betting Options<\/li>\n                            <li class=\"sq-toplist__features-item\">Extensive Bet-Builder<\/li>\n                            <li class=\"sq-toplist__features-item\">Multi-Award Winning Bookmaker<\/li>\n                    <\/ul>\n                <\/div>\n\t\t            <div class=\"sq-toplist__item-tc\"><p>New customers can sign up using bonus code SQUAWKA365, bet \u00a310 and get \u00a330 in Free Bets. 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Stake not returned. Promotional Terms Apply. GambleAware.org<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t    <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Season Form &amp; Standings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>After 22 matches, the teams are separated by 12 points and 11 places in the table. Southampton&#8217;s attack has proven a cut above, while Oxford are battling to avoid the drop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\">\n<table class=\"has-fixed-layout\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Team<\/th>\n<th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Pos<\/th>\n<th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">P<\/th>\n<th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">W<\/th>\n<th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">D<\/th>\n<th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">L<\/th>\n<th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">GF<\/th>\n<th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">GA<\/th>\n<th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">GD<\/th>\n<th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Pts<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Southampton<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">11<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">22<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">8<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">7<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">7<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">36<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">31<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">+5<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">31<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Oxford United<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">22<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">22<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">4<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">7<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">11<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">22<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">31<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">-9<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">19<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Potential Match-Winners<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Adam Armstrong (Southampton)<\/strong>: 11 goals, 4 assists, 50% shot accuracy, 80% pass accuracy \u2013 the league\u2019s most dangerous striker and a constant threat.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mark Harris (Oxford United)<\/strong>: Will be key in transition for Oxford, looking to exploit Saints\u2019 back line that has conceded 31 times.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Flynn Downes (Southampton)<\/strong>: Expected to dictate midfield tempo and supply Armstrong; key to Saints\u2019 creative engine with the highest assist tally in the squad.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ciaron Brown (Oxford United)<\/strong>: Oxford\u2019s defensive linchpin, leading the side for tackles in a team that attempts more tackles (379) than Southampton (320).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/SquawkaBet\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"114\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/11\/28163831\/Group-14764-1-1024x114.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1415389\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/11\/28163831\/Group-14764-1-1024x114.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/11\/28163831\/Group-14764-1-300x33.jpg 300w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/11\/28163831\/Group-14764-1-768x86.jpg 768w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/11\/28163831\/Group-14764-1-1536x171.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/11\/28163831\/Group-14764-1-400x45.jpg 400w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/11\/28163831\/Group-14764-1-600x67.jpg 600w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/11\/28163831\/Group-14764-1-538x60.jpg 538w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/11\/28163831\/Group-14764-1-150x17.jpg 150w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/11\/28163831\/Group-14764-1-40x4.jpg 40w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/11\/28163831\/Group-14764-1.jpg 1792w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Head-to-Head<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>These two sides haven&#8217;t met since 1988, adding a layer of intrigue in a match without historical markers to look at.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\">\n<table class=\"has-fixed-layout\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th class=\"\" data-align=\"center\">Date<\/th>\n<th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Score<\/th>\n<th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Competition<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">N\/A<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">N\/A<\/td>\n<td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">N\/A<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion: Can Oxford Upset the Odds?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>All signs point to Southampton\u2019s quality shining through, especially with Armstrong spearheading a confident attack. Oxford\u2019s defensive work rate is high, but with only 22 goals scored in 22 matches, they lack the firepower that Southampton bring. The safest bet looks to be <a href=\"\/en\/go\/bet365?q=gb-all-con-wof-s-spo\">Southampton to win at 8\/11 (57.9%) with Bet365<\/a> \u2013 but goals and both teams finding the net could be the way to boost your return in accumulator bets. Will Oxford defy their underdog status, or will Southampton\u2019s class tell? We\u2019re siding with the visitors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><small>Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.<\/small><\/p>\n\n\n<h3><strong>Read more:<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/\"><strong>Latest football news<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/football-tips\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Football betting tips<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/betting-sites\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Best betting sites<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/betting-sites\/best-free-bet-offers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Best free bet offers<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/football-tips\/accumulator\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Football accumulator tips<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\n\n\n    <div class=\"sq-top-stories\">\n        <h2 class=\"sq-heading-line\">Squawka Suggests<\/h2>\n        <div class=\"sq-cards\">\n\t\t\t                    <article class=\"sq-card\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t                            <div class=\"sq-card__thumbnail\">\n                                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/player-comparison-matrix-stats-olise-fernandes-yamal-messi-assists-world-cup-2026\/\" class=\"sq-thumbnail\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/06\/04155047\/SQ_Comparison_WC_Assists-1024x576.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"World Cup 2026 most assists analysis: Crunching the numbers on Messi, Olise, Yamal &amp; Fernandes\" fetchpriority=\"high\" sizes=\"(max-width: 767px) 100vw, 50vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/06\/04155047\/SQ_Comparison_WC_Assists-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/06\/04155047\/SQ_Comparison_WC_Assists-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/06\/04155047\/SQ_Comparison_WC_Assists-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/06\/04155047\/SQ_Comparison_WC_Assists-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/06\/04155047\/SQ_Comparison_WC_Assists-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/06\/04155047\/SQ_Comparison_WC_Assists-400x225.jpg 400w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/06\/04155047\/SQ_Comparison_WC_Assists-356x200.jpg 356w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/06\/04155047\/SQ_Comparison_WC_Assists-107x60.jpg 107w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/06\/04155047\/SQ_Comparison_WC_Assists-150x84.jpg 150w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/06\/04155047\/SQ_Comparison_WC_Assists-132x74.jpg 132w\" \/>                                <\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t                        <div class=\"sq-card__content\">\n                            <div class=\"sq-card__meta\">\n                                <span class=\"sq-card__label\">Features<\/span>\n                                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/player-comparison-matrix-stats-olise-fernandes-yamal-messi-assists-world-cup-2026\/\" class=\"sq-card__title\">\n                                    <h2 class=\"sq-card__title-text\">World Cup 2026 most assists analysis: Crunching the numbers on Messi, Olise, Yamal &amp; Fernandes<\/h2>\n                                <\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/jackkitson\/\"\n                                   class=\"sq-card__link\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBy Jack Kitson                                <\/a>\n                                <time class=\"sq-card__label\">17 hours ago<\/time>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/article>\n\t\t\t\t                    <article class=\"sq-card\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t                            <div class=\"sq-card__thumbnail\">\n                                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/man-utd-transfer-analysis-ederson-midfield\/\" class=\"sq-thumbnail\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/06\/03122514\/Ederson03062026_ID3E9HK0N-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Man Utd transfer analysis: Why Ederson will be a good signing for the Red Devils\" \/>                                <\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t                        <div class=\"sq-card__content\">\n                            <div class=\"sq-card__meta\">\n                                <span class=\"sq-card__label\">Features<\/span>\n                                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/man-utd-transfer-analysis-ederson-midfield\/\" class=\"sq-card__title\">\n                                    <h2 class=\"sq-card__title-text\">Man Utd transfer analysis: Why Ederson will be a good signing for the Red Devils<\/h2>\n                                <\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/harry-edwards\/\"\n                                   class=\"sq-card__link\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBy Harry Edwards                                <\/a>\n                                <time class=\"sq-card__label\">21 hours ago<\/time>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/article>\n\t\t\t\t                    <article class=\"sq-card\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t                            <div class=\"sq-card__thumbnail\">\n                                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/the-goat-debate-rivaldo-vs-ronaldinho-25-05-26\/\" class=\"sq-thumbnail\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/05\/08104123\/feature_image-x-2-purple-3-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"The GOAT Debate &#8211; Rivaldo vs Ronaldinho\" \/>                                <\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t                        <div class=\"sq-card__content\">\n                            <div class=\"sq-card__meta\">\n                                <span class=\"sq-card__label\">Features<\/span>\n                                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/the-goat-debate-rivaldo-vs-ronaldinho-25-05-26\/\" class=\"sq-card__title\">\n                                    <h2 class=\"sq-card__title-text\">The GOAT Debate &#8211; Rivaldo vs Ronaldinho<\/h2>\n                                <\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/andrewfrancis\/\"\n                                   class=\"sq-card__link\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBy Andy Francis                                <\/a>\n                                <time class=\"sq-card__label\">1 day ago<\/time>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/article>\n\t\t\t\t                    <article class=\"sq-card\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t                            <div class=\"sq-card__thumbnail\">\n                                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/world-cup-2026-changing-of-the-guard-data-analysis\/\" class=\"sq-thumbnail\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2022\/12\/13135115\/1291519_1291519_messi-vs-ronaldo-world-cup-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"World Cup 2026: The data behind football&#8217;s changing of the guard\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2022\/12\/13135115\/1291519_1291519_messi-vs-ronaldo-world-cup-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2022\/12\/13135115\/1291519_1291519_messi-vs-ronaldo-world-cup-50x50.jpg 50w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2022\/12\/13135115\/1291519_1291519_messi-vs-ronaldo-world-cup-100x100.jpg 100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/>                                <\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t                        <div class=\"sq-card__content\">\n                            <div class=\"sq-card__meta\">\n                                <span class=\"sq-card__label\">Features<\/span>\n                                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/world-cup-2026-changing-of-the-guard-data-analysis\/\" class=\"sq-card__title\">\n                                    <h2 class=\"sq-card__title-text\">World Cup 2026: The data behind football&#8217;s changing of the guard<\/h2>\n                                <\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/lukeh\/\"\n                                   class=\"sq-card__link\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBy Luke Hamilton                                <\/a>\n                                <time class=\"sq-card__label\">2 days ago<\/time>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/article>\n\t\t\t\t        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Introduction<br \/>\nOxford United welcome Southampton to the Kassam Stadium on Boxing Day, with both sides looking to steer their seasons in the right direct&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":427,"featured_media":1420425,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_yoast_wpseo_focuskw":"Oxford United vs Southampton, Championship, football betting, stats, predictions, betting offers","_yoast_wpseo_title":"Oxford United vs Southampton: predictions, stats, tips & odds","_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Get the Squawka Bet predictions, stats and betting tips ahead of the Championship match between Oxford and Southampton on Friday 26 December.","footnotes":""},"tags":[],"news-category":[],"class_list":["post-1420426","news","type-news","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":{"external_featured_image_url":"","hide_featured_image_pattern":false},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.1 (Yoast SEO v27.1.1) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Oxford United vs Southampton: predictions, stats, tips &amp; 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