Hull City Hosts Oxford United Amid Relegation Battle

Hull City will host Oxford United at the MKM Stadium, aiming for consecutive home wins for the first time in over a year, despite the suspension of striker Joao Pedro, who will miss three games following a red card. Hull is looking to build on their recent form, having earned a point against Bristol City and won against Plymouth Argyle, while Oxford hopes to capitalize on their recent draw at Norwich City to end an eight-game winless streak. Oxford's new manager Gary Rowett has adopted a back five system, which helped secure their point at Norwich, though the U's remain in a relegation battle just above the drop zone. Historically, Hull has been strong at home against Oxford, remaining unbeaten in their last eight home matches against them, while Oxford aims for their first league double over Hull since the 1988-89 season after winning the reverse fixture earlier this season. Both teams have injury concerns, but Oxford has no new issues ahead of the match. The stakes are high as Hull seeks to close the gap on Oxford in the league standings.