Oxford United visit Ashton Gate on Sunday (3pm) to take on third-placed Bristol City, with something akin to optimism following two decent home performances against Coventry City and Leicester City (so many cities).

Last season, exactly one year to the day before this weekend’s contest, the U’s took the lead in this fixture through the departed Rúben Rodrigues before City hit back to win 2-1. That was off the back of a 5-1 League Cup defeat at the same venue the previous season, but it’s actually Oxford that has the better record in meetings between the sides, with 18 wins to the Robins’ 13. Although away games are slightly in their favour, with 10 wins to seven.

It was at Ashton Gate that United’s great Milk Cup run started in the 1983/84 season, with Andy Thomas’s goal after just 16 seconds enough to see the U’s through the first round, second leg tie. Oxford also beat Bristol on their own turf on the 10th anniversary of the Milk Cup final win as goals from Paul Moody and David Rush earned three points on that promotion season run in.

Andy Thomas scores after 16 seconds in September 1983’s League Cup tie

See United’s full record against Bristol City HERE.

Played for both

Among the luminaries that have featured for both the Robins and the U’s are former England manager Steve McClaren, best known for wielding an umbrella in the rain (shock!) and shpeaking with a Dutch acshent when in charge of Twente Enschede, and currently the manager of Greg Leigh when United’s left-back is on international duty with Jamaica.

Slightly lesser known is goalkeeper Tony Malessa, who was on the bench for United for their first game at the Kassam Stadium before disappearing back into the obscurity from whence he came (Bristol City’s reserves). Bristol Rovers favourite Matty Taylor is also an alumnus of Ashton Gate.

Bristol City’s squad currently includes a number of former U’s players, with Rob Dickie, Mark Sykes, and Rob Atkinson all starting in their 3-0 win at Sheffield Wednesday last Saturday, while Luke McNally was left out of City’s 25-man squad, having not played since an injury last February.

On this Day

As well as being the first anniversary of last season’s corresponding fixture, 21st September is also six years to the day that Oxford beat Lincoln City 6-0 at Sincil Bank, with Tarique Fosu scoring a hat-trick. Another game against Bristol City took place on this date in 1968: a goalless draw at the Manor in United’s first season at this level.

Sunday’s game

Bristol City have yet to lose in the Championship this season, while Oxford are still looking for their first win. With Liam Manning departing for Norwich City in the summer, the Robins are now managed by Gerhard Struber, whose side has won three of their opening five matches.

Matt Phillips had to go off during Saturday’s draw with Leicester, and although there’s no official word on the severity of his injury, first reports are that it’s not great and he could be out for some time. Luke Harris replaced him from the bench, but with Tyler Goodrham, Siriki Dembélé, and Nik Prelec also able to play in the number 10 role, Gary Rowett has plenty of options.

Likewise at right back, where Sam Long featured last weekend but Brodie Spencer was on the bench. With Hidde ter Avest missing after getting a knock in training, and with no word when he’s likely to return, it’s another interesting selection poser for Rowett.

I suspect that it will be a tight game, decided by a single goal one way or another, or possible a third successive draw for the U’s. To be honest, I’d take that now if offered.

OUWFC

Oxford United Women are also in action on Sunday, visiting Real Bedford (as opposed to all the false ones) with a 2pm kick off.

The women will be looking for a second successive league win following last Sunday’s heroics against Exeter City.

Let’s hope it’s a double dose of Sunday happiness for Yellows fans.