The magic of the FA Cup heads to the Kassam Stadium on Sunday afternoon as Oxford United welcome Premier League side Sunderland.
It’s a classic “David vs Goliath” clash, albeit with a modern twist.
Oxford are scrapping for their lives in the Championship relegation zone, while Sunderland arrive with a squad heavily invested in for the top flight under Régis Le Bris.
While the U’s will look to make this a hostile, scrappy affair, the gulf in class is undeniable.
Sunderland’s expensively assembled attack should have too much firepower for a defence that has leaked goals in recent weeks.
Here is the lowdown on the game, our best bets, and how we see it playing out.
Oxford vs Sunderland Best Bets and Betting Tips
Sunderland to Win – 8/11
The bookies have the Black Cats as clear favourites, and the data supports that stance heavily.
There is a significant quality gap between a side sitting 9th in the Premier League and one languishing in 23rd in the Championship.
Oxford’s form has dropped off at the wrong time.
They have won just once in their last five outings and were dismantled 3-0 by Norwich and 3-1 by Sheffield United in recent home fixtures.
Sunderland, despite recent losses to elite sides like Arsenal and Liverpool, dispatched Burnley 3-0 with ease.
They should navigate this tie comfortably.
Cameron Brannagan to be Booked – 14/5
This is going to be a battle in the engine room.
With Sunderland likely to dominate possession, Oxford will be forced to chase shadows for long periods, putting their midfield under immense strain.
Cameron Brannagan is the heartbeat of this Oxford side, but he often has to take one for the team when the U’s are stretched.
He has already picked up 6 yellow cards this campaign and is never shy of a tackle.
14/5 for him to mistime a challenge against Sunderland’s sharp, technical midfield operators looks like huge value.
Sunderland -1.5 Corner Handicap – 10/11
We expect one-way traffic for large chunks of this game.
Sunderland’s tactical setup relies on heavy width from their full-backs and wingers, naturally forcing defensive clearances and blocks behind the byline.
Oxford will likely sit in a deep block to contain the Premier League side, inviting pressure.
This territory dominance usually translates into a high corner count for the attacking team. Backing the visitors to cover the -1.5 corner handicap is a smart play given the expected game script.
Key Stats & Trends
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Leaky Defence: Oxford United have conceded 2+ goals in 4 of their last 5 matches against top-half opposition.
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Set Piece Pressure: Sunderland have averaged 6.5 corners per game in domestic cup competitions this season, utilizing their wide dominance to force set-pieces.
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The Enforcer: Cameron Brannagan has committed more fouls (1.6 per game) than any other Oxford midfielder in 2026 so far.
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Gulf in Class: The last time these sides met, Sunderland ran out comfortable 2-0 winners.
Oxford vs Sunderland Confirmed Lineups
Oxford (4-2-3-1)
Confirmed XI:
GK: Ingram
DEF: Makosso, Spencer, Brown, Currie
MID: Vaulks, Brannagan
MID: Donley, Jeon, Mills
FWD: Lankshear
Sunderland (4-2-3-1)
Confirmed XI:
GK: Roefs
DEF: Hume, O’Nien, Mukiele, Cirkin
MID: Diarra, Geertruida,
MID: Talbi, LeFee, Mundle
FWD: Isidor
How to Watch Oxford vs Sunderland
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Date: Sunday, February 15, 2026
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Kick-off: 14:00 GMT
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Venue: Kassam Stadium, Oxford
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TV Channel: TNT Sports 5
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Live Stream: Discovery+ App
Supporters outside the UK should check local broadcast listings, as coverage varies by territory.
Oxford vs Sunderland Match Winner Odds
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Oxford United: 4/1
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Draw: 13/5
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Sunderland: 8/11
Odds correct at time of writing and subject to change.
Oxford vs Sunderland Correct Score Prediction
Oxford will undoubtedly look to make this a physical contest early on, hoping to unsettle their more illustrious opponents with the backing of a sold-out Kassam Stadium.
However, passion can only bridge the gap for so long.
Without key outlets like Goodrham and Donley to relieve pressure, the U’s lack the transition threat needed to keep Sunderland’s aggressive full-backs honest.
Once the Premier League side establishes their rhythm, their technical superiority in midfield should suffocate Oxford.
Sunderland have been efficient against lower-tier sides this season, and with fresh legs hungry to impress Le Bris, they won’t take their foot off the gas.
We anticipate a professional demolition job, with the Black Cats keeping a clean sheet and adding goals late on as the hosts tire.
Oxford 0-3 Sunderland
