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Mysterious/Hooky:
“The 2 Things Leeds Must Do to Beat Oxford – And Chris Wilder Already Spilled Them”
Leeds United face a tricky trip to Oxford United tonight as they look to take another step towards automatic promotion—though it’s clear the challenge is real, with Sheffield United recently falling to defeat at the Kassam Stadium.
With Sheffield United suffering three straight losses, Leeds now have a golden opportunity to tighten their grip on a top-two finish over the coming days.
However, Daniel Farke will remain cautious. The Easter period often brings unexpected results in the promotion race, and Oxford United—fighting to avoid relegation—have already upset one of the league’s top sides this month.
Anyone expecting an easy night for Leeds at Gary Rowett’s Oxford clearly hasn’t been following the club’s resurgence since he took over after their 4-0 defeat at Elland Road.
One of Rowett’s standout results came earlier this April when Oxford edged past Chris Wilder’s Sheffield United 1-0, with Siriki Dembele scoring the decisive goal in the first half.
Reflecting on that loss, Wilder highlighted his team’s shortcomings—a useful warning for Leeds:
“We were too slow, our ball speed wasn’t good enough, and we let them settle into their shape,” Wilder told the Yorkshire Post. “Technically, we were poor—our decision-making and execution were off, with wayward passing and wasteful crosses.”
Wilder’s experience underscores the danger Leeds face from an Oxford side that’s finding form under pressure.
Oxford have scored three of their last four goals from long throws launched by midfielder Will Vaulks, including the winner against the Blades. That aerial threat is something Wilder admitted his side couldn’t cope with—another heads-up for Farke.
“We were up against a team fighting for survival. They put us under real pressure with long throws and quality up front, and we didn’t handle it well,” Wilder added. “We had chances before their goal that we didn’t take, and once they got ahead, the crowd got behind them. It made for a difficult afternoon.”
He also praised Rowett: “Gary’s a talented manager and very savvy. One goal was always going to be enough. They sat deep, the pitch was dry and windy—it wasn’t a fast game, and we didn’t manage the tempo like we should’ve.”
