Oxford United vs Brighton – Carabao Cup Clash at Kassam Stadium
The Carabao Cup second round is about to deliver an intriguing fixture as Oxford United take on Brighton & Hove Albion at the Kassam Stadium. This matchup brings together two clubs who have both struggled in their respective leagues so far this season, but the cup offers a fresh chance to reset, and possibly, to shine.
Oxford come into the tie on the back of a difficult run in the Championship. They have lost all three of their opening league games, the latest setback being a 1-0 defeat away to Birmingham City. Confidence has been shaky, but manager Gary Rowett is expected to put out a strong side, knowing that progress in the cup could spark some much-needed momentum. Oxford do have injury concerns, though. Ole Romeny is sidelined with a foot problem, while Brodie Spencer remains unavailable with a thigh issue. Still, the rest of the squad is fit, and the manager will be relying on his front line—players like Siriki Dembélé and young striker Joe Lankshear—to trouble Brighton’s defense.
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For Brighton, things have not been much better. The Seagulls are also waiting for their first Premier League win of the 2025/26 season, having lost 2-0 against Everton at the weekend. Head coach Fabian Hurzeler will see this cup game as an opportunity to turn things around and give his squad a lift. Injuries remain a major headache. Key men such as Solly March, Tariq Lamptey, Adam Webster, and Julio Enciso are all out, leaving gaps in both defense and attack. Even with those setbacks, Brighton still have plenty of quality available. Danny Welbeck is expected to lead the line, supported by the creativity of Kaoru Mitoma and Simon Adingra, while captain Lewis Dunk will marshal the back four.
The history between these two sides makes the contest even more fascinating. They have faced each other 13 times, with Oxford winning eight of those meetings and Brighton taking four, while only one has ended level. That record will give the home crowd some hope, even if the Premier League side enters as favorites on paper.
Kick-off is set for August 28 at the Kassam Stadium, with Oliver Langford officiating. For Oxford, this is about proving they can compete with top-tier opposition and possibly rediscovering their spark. For Brighton, it is about avoiding an upset and making sure their campaign gets a positive jolt after a slow start.
No matter which way it goes, this fixture promises to be a spirited contest. The Carabao Cup often throws up surprises, and both Oxford United and Brighton will see this as more than just a side competition—it’s a chance to build belief, change the mood in the camp, and keep their seasons alive.
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