Oxford United faced a 1-0 defeat against Birmingham City in the EFL Championship on Saturday, August 23, at St Andrews.
Oxford have lost all three of their matches in the Championship so far and are now headed to face Brighton & Hove Albion in the second round of the EFL Cup on August 27 at Kassam Stadium.
Brighton, meanwhile, are also yet to secure their first victory in the Premier League in the 2025/26 campaign. The Seagulls were on the receiving end of a 2-0 loss against Everton in the top flight this weekend.
Oxford and Brighton are set to face each other on 13 occasions, with the Championship club bagging eight victories while the Albions managed four wins, and the remaining match ended in a draw.
Oxford United vs. Brighton & Hove Albion lineups: Predicted starting XI, team news
Oxford have two players missing in action, Ole Romeny sustained a foot injury, and Brodie Spencer is facing thigh problems.
Oxford boss Gary Rowett is expected to bring on his best players against Brighton to ensure their run in the EFL Cup.
Oxford United predicted starting XI (4-3-3, right to left): Cumming (GK) — Spencer, Moore, Long, Currie — Keersmaecker, Brannagan, Goodrham— Mills, Lankshear, Siriki Dembele
Injured: Romeny (foot), Spencer (thigh)
Suspended: None
Brighton currently have five outstanding injuries in their squad. The Seagulls have Solly March, who underwent knee surgery in May, and Tom Watson, missing in action on the front line.
Brighton’s backline absentees are Tariq Lamptey, who suffered an ankle injury, and Adam Webster, who sustained a cruciate ligament injury. Julio Enciso is also sidelined with a knee injury.
The Seagulls’ head coach, Fabian Hurzeler, is anticipated to make changes to the lineup compared to the one against Everton. However, given their recent performances, Brighton would be looking for a win, and first-team players are expected to feature against Oxford.
Brighton predicted starting XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Verbruggen (GK) — De Cuyper, Dunk, Van Hecke, Barco— Baleba, Ayari — Mitoma, Moder, Adingra — Welbeck
Injured: March (knee), Watson (unknown), Lamptey (ankle), Webster (ACL), Enciso (knee)
Suspended: None
Oxford United vs. Brighton & Hove Albion match details
- Date: Wednesday, August 27, 2025
- Kickoff time: 7:45 p.m. local / 2:45 p.m. ET / 11:45 a.m. PT
- Location: Kassam Stadium, Oxford (England)
- Competition: EFL Cup
- Referee: Oliver Langford
- Fourth Official: Lee Swabey
Related links
