Oxford vs Peterborough predictions: League One play-off semi-final tips and odds

Our betting expert has three Oxford United vs Peterborough United tips for the League One play-off semi-final first leg at the Kassam Stadium on Saturday (7.45pm kick-off). Scroll down for the analysis behind his selections.

Oxford United vs Peterborough United betting tips

Odds correct at time of publishing and subject to change.

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Inconsistent sides clash at the Kassam

No result can be ruled out as two of the more erratic teams in the domestic third tier go head to head.

Both sides recorded a wide-margin win in their regular-season meetings, with Peterborough enjoying a comfortable 3-0 success at London Road in December, while Oxford thumped Posh 5-0 at the Kassam just three weeks ago.

The visitors tonight had won five of the teams’ previous seven encounters, with two draws, so caution is advised for those considering backing the hosts as favourites for the first leg.

A much closer game than either of their regular-season clashes seems likely and a first-leg draw makes plenty of appeal at 13/5 with Sky Bet.

Peterborough were in the battle for automatic promotion for much of the campaign and were second in the table just after the halfway point. They ended up fourth but still seven points ahead of Oxford in fifth, and should not be easily dismissed.

Posh paid the price for some unexpected dips in form, particularly a run of four defeats in February and a baffling 3-1 home loss to last-placed Carlisle in March.

They had another day to forget on their previous trip to Oxford, but the hosts have had a bumpy ride all season. They were second in the standings when former manager Liam Manning left to join Bristol City in November and new man Des Buckingham has needed plenty of time to convince the fans.

Oxford won only once in 10 games between January and March, but have finished the campaign in better shape, losing only one of their past eight matches.

Peterborough have won five of their past seven away fixtures in all competitions, despite the heavy defeat at the Kassam, and they are capable of a much improved performance this time.

Oxford United vs Peterborough United tip 1: Draw @ 13/5 with Sky Bet

Entertaining game expected

While play-off first-leg matches are not always the most open games, Oxford and Peterborough are not used to sitting back, and both their semi-final encounters could be action-packed.

While a close contest is predicted, a back-and-forth battle seems more likely than a sterile affair and odds of 9/1 on a 2-2 draw could be worth taking.

Peterborough ended their regular-season campaign with a 3-3 result against third-placed Bolton Wanderers and have scored at least twice in six of their previous eight games.

Oxford netted at least twice in 14 of their 23 home league matches, including 2-2 draws with Wycombe Wanderers, Portsmouth and Northampton Town.

Oxford United vs Peterborough United tip 2: 2-2 correct score @ 9/1 with Sky Bet

Randall in fine form for Boro

Seven of Peterborough’s last nine games have produced at least three goals. Our 2-2 correct-score prediction suggests we should also base our bet builder on the ball successfully going in the net several times.

Over 3.5 goals appeals after the teams generated eight goals in their two league meetings this season.

Oxford have been involved in some high-scoring games recently even when only one team netted, with a 5-0 defeat to Bolton, a pair of 4-0 victories over Burton Albion and Fleetwood Town, and their thumping home win over Peterborough.

The visitors, under Darren Ferguson, are coming off a six-goal game against Bolton and seven of their past 12 league matches produced at least four goals.

For the first leg, Peterborough’s Joel Randall looks a decent candidate to provide at least one of the goals.

The midfielder has netted four times in his past seven league appearances and has scored in Posh’s previous two games, with the opener in a 2-0 win over Bristol Rovers and his team’s second in the 3-3 draw with Bolton.

Oxford United vs Peterborough United tip 3: Bet builder: over 3.5 goals and Joel Randall to score in 90 minutes @ 9/1 with Sky Bet

Oxford United vs Peterborough United odds

Odds, correct at the time of publication, are subject to change.