As the Easter weekend begins with a full slate of fixtures, Friday’s standout contest takes place at the Kassam Stadium, where Oxford United host promotion-chasing Leeds United in a match packed with significance at both ends of the Championship table. One side is scrapping for safety; the other is clinging to top spot and aiming to return to the Premier League. For our Football Bet of the Day, Herrin Kendrick breaks down why Leeds should leave Oxford with all three points — but not without a scare.
18+. Play Safe. From 00:01 on 18.10.2022. £30 bonus. New customers only. Minimum £10 stake on odds of 1/2 (1.5) or greater on sportsbook (excluding Virtual markets). Further terms apply. #Ad. 18+Only, gambleaware.org | New customers only. 7 days to place qualifying bet of £10 at 1/1 (2.0) to receive 4 x £10 Free Bets: 1 x £10 football, 1 x £10 horse racing & 2 x £10 Bet Builders. Free Bets cannot be used on e-sports and non-UK/IE horse racing. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. #Ad. 18+Only, gambleaware.org | New customers only. Register with BETFRED50. Deposit £10+ via Debit Card and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. T&Cs apply. | Open Account Offer – New Customers only. Bet £10 and get £30 in Free Bets when you join bet365. Sign up, deposit between £5 and £10 to your account and bet365 will give you five times that value in Free Bets when you place qualifying bets to the same value settle. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits. Min odds/bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. T&Cs , time limits & exclusions apply. Registration Required. #Ad. 18+ Only, gambleaware.org | New cust only. Opt-in required. Deposit & place a bet within 7 days and settle a £10 minimum bet at odds of 4/5 (1.8) or greater to be credited with 3 x £10 Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Free Bet Builder and 1 x £10 football. Free Bets cannot be used on e-sports and non-UK/IE horse racing. 7 day expiry. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply. Acca Club: Available to new & existing customers. 3 or more selections. Min Odds: 3/10 (1.3) per leg. Max stake: £500. Max Winnings: £200,000 per boost. Profit Boost amounts vary. Horse Racing, Greyhounds & Trotting excluded. Exclusions apply. Full T&C’s apply. 18+ GambleAware.org. |
Oxford United vs Leeds United
Herrin Kendrick; Sports journalist at BettingTips4You
Over 2.5 goals
| |
17/20 - odds when tipped |  |
Reasoning This Tuesday’s clash offers an ideal mix of narrative, statistics and tactical setup to justify a bet on Over 2.5 goals. Palace are buoyant from cup success and thriving at home, while Wolves’ defence is far from convincing. With both sides pushing for a respectable end to the season and showing a willingness to take risks, expect an open contest. | |
Key Stats:
- Oxford have found the net in 16 of their last 17 home matches at the Kassam Stadium.
- Leeds are unbeaten in their last six Championship fixtures.
- The Whites have only lost three of their 21 away league games this season.
Rationale
This Good Friday fixture brings together two teams battling for very different prizes. Oxford United have finally found some momentum just when they need it most. After years away from the second tier, they’re determined not to let this campaign end in immediate relegation, and recent results suggest they’re not ready to give up. A narrow but determined win away at Sheffield Wednesday and another valuable three points against promotion-chasing Sheffield United show Gary Rowett’s men still have bite.
Oxford’s performances at home have been a particular bright spot. Ten of their twelve league victories have come at the Kassam, where they’ve also managed to frustrate high-flying teams with solid defensive shape and well-timed counter-attacks. However, injuries to key defenders like Ciaron Brown and Elliott Moore could prove crucial against a side with Leeds’ attacking pedigree.
Leeds, meanwhile, arrive with promotion firmly in their sights and a squad showing renewed energy. Despite a bumpy patch in March, they’ve rebounded with consecutive wins, including a composed 2-0 victory over Preston last weekend. Manor Solomon and Jayden Bogle were on target then, underlining the attacking depth still present even with Dan James out injured.
While their away record is solid but not outstanding — just nine wins from 21 on the road — Daniel Farke’s team have only tasted defeat three times on their travels. That resilience, paired with their top-of-the-table status and improving form, makes them the favourites here. Still, Oxford’s scoring record at home — and Leeds’ vulnerability on the road — suggest both teams are likely to get on the scoresheet.
Leeds should have enough to win, but don’t be surprised if they have to come from behind or hang on late.
Best bet – Leeds to Win and Both Teams to Score
Enhance your betting game with our daily free betting tips, predictions, and accumulators.
For more betting tips and news, check out:
Don’t forget to visit our Free Bets page for the best possible value from our Today’s Football Predictions, as well as our Predictions for Tomorrow’s Football Predictions.
