Can Oxford City Challenge Leicester in the FA Cup First Round? Prediction | November 6, 2026
Oxford City
Oxford City welcome Leicester in the first round of the FA Cup. The teams represent different levels of English football, with Oxford City competing in the National League North and Leicester playing in League One following their relegation from the Championship. Both sides have shown positive signs recently, while their attacking performances suggest this tie could produce an entertaining contest.
Oxford City
Oxford City have enjoyed a solid campaign in the National League North and currently occupy second place as they pursue promotion. Their recent form has also been encouraging, with just one defeat in their last nine matches. That loss came in their latest outing, when they were beaten 1–3 by South Shields.
Reaching the first round has been an achievement in itself for Oxford City, who had to navigate several qualifying rounds to secure their place in the main draw. Their cup campaign last season ended much earlier, with a 2–3 defeat to Westbury United during qualification. This time, they have earned the opportunity to face a considerably more established opponent.
Despite the defeat in their latest match, Oxford City have remained difficult to beat over a longer period. They have also scored first in four of their last five games, showing an ability to make positive starts.
Leicester
Leicester are still adjusting to life in League One after spending last season in the Championship. Their current league position is not what the club would have hoped for, with the Foxes sitting 10th and trailing leaders Huddersfield by 10 points.
Their recent results, however, have shown some improvement. Leicester have recorded three wins and one draw in their last five matches, suffering just one defeat during that period, against Luton Town. They have also scored first in four of their last five games.
Leicester enter the FA Cup at the first-round stage without having to participate in qualifying. Their previous campaign began in the third round, where they defeated Cheltenham 2–0 before losing to Southampton in the fourth round. They have already been eliminated from this season’s EFL Cup, following a 1–3 defeat to Ipswich, and will now look to make progress in another domestic competition.
Head-to-Head
Oxford City and Leicester have never met before. Their FA Cup first-round encounter will be the first meeting between the clubs, adding an unfamiliar element to the fixture.
Key Trends
- Oxford City have lost only 1 of their last 9 matches.
- Oxford City have scored first in 4 of their last 5 games.
- Leicester have won 3 of their last 5 matches.
- Leicester have avoided defeat in 4 of their last 5 games.
- Leicester have scored first in 4 of their last 5 matches.
- Over 2.5 goals have been scored in each of Leicester’s last 8 matches.
- Both teams have scored in 8 of Leicester’s last 10 games.
Prediction
Leicester have the advantage in terms of experience and squad pedigree, but their current position in League One shows that they have not yet found the consistency expected of them. Oxford City, meanwhile, have performed well in the National League North and will approach this opportunity with confidence after successfully navigating the qualifying rounds. The visitors’ recent attacking output is particularly notable, with all eight of their previous matches producing at least three goals. Oxford City have also shown that they can create positive results and regularly take the lead in their matches. Although Leicester remain favourites, the hosts have enough attacking confidence to contribute to the scoreline. Given Leicester’s recent goal trends and Oxford City’s ability to find the net, this first-round tie has the potential to be an open encounter with chances at both ends. Recommended Bet: Over 2.5 Total Goals
