Oxford United vs Sunderland: Premier League Giants Face FA Cup Test at the Kassam
OXFORD, 15 February 2026 – Oxford United welcome top-flight Sunderland to the Kassam Stadium this afternoon for a highly anticipated FA Cup fourth-round encounter. While the visitors arrive as favourites following their promotion to the Premier League, the U’s are looking to replicate the form that saw them dispatch MK Dons in the previous round.
Match Preview: David vs Goliath in Oxfordshire
Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris has called for a “professional performance” as his side travels south amidst challenging weather conditions. A pitch inspection was mooted earlier today following heavy rain in the region, though officials remain optimistic that the 14:00 kick-off will proceed as planned.
Oxford United, currently competing in the Championship, view this fixture as a welcome distraction from their league campaign. The hosts have a historic FA Cup pedigree against the Black Cats, notably securing a 2-0 victory in a third-round replay during the 1988-89 season. however, the modern gap between the tiers makes Sunderland the heavy statistical favourites.
Team News and Tactical Outlook
Sunderland could handed a debut to Ivorian midfielder Jocelin Ta Bi, who joined the club in the January transfer window but is yet to feature. The Black Cats will be without Alderete and Xhaka, both of whom are sidelined with injuries. For Oxford, the focus remains on defensive solidity to frustrate a Sunderland attack likely to be led by Wilson Isidor.
Head-to-Head Statistics
Historically, Sunderland has held the upper hand in this fixture, though draws have been a frequent outcome when these sides met in lower divisions. The following data reflects their competitive history across all competitions:
| Stat Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Meetings (Recent Era) | 11 |
| Oxford United Wins | 1 |
| Sunderland Wins | 5 |
| Draws | 5 |
| Average Goals Per Match | 2.18 |
| Record Scoreline | Sunderland 7-0 Oxford United (1998/1999) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is kick-off?
The match is scheduled to start at 14:00 on Sunday 15 February 2026 at the Kassam Stadium.
Which competition is this match part of?
This is a fourth-round tie in the English FA Cup. The winner will progress to the fifth round (Round of 16).
Is the match at risk of postponement?
Local reports indicated a pitch inspection was necessary due to “awful weather conditions” in Oxford, but the match is currently expected to go ahead as scheduled.
How did Oxford United reach this stage?
Oxford United secured their place in the fourth round following a 2-1 away victory against MK Dons.