The Carabao Cup kicks off its first round with an exciting Cumbrian derby as League Two side Barrow hosts Championship team Preston North End at the SO Legal Stadium. For Barrow, this match represents a golden opportunity to cause a major cup upset and ignite their season after a difficult start. Under the management of Andy Whing, the Bluebirds will be looking to their home advantage and fighting spirit to overcome the higher-tier opposition. For Preston North End, this is a chance to build on their recent form and secure a comfortable passage into the next round. Manager Paul Heckingbottom’s side will be looking to their superior squad depth and quality to get the job done, but they will be wary of the potential for a classic cup shock.
Oxford United, under the management of Gary Rowett, is returning to the Championship for the first time since 1999 and will be looking to use this cup tie to build momentum after a disappointing start to their league campaign. They will be looking to their key players, including forward Mark Harris and midfielder Cameron Brannagan, to make an impact. Colchester United, on the other hand, comes into the fixture after a strong season in which they finished in the top half of League Two. Manager Danny Cowley’s side will be looking to continue their impressive form and cause an upset against their higher-division opponents. This match promises to be an interesting tactical affair, with Oxford United expected to dominate possession and Colchester United likely to adopt a more defensive approach, looking to hit their opponents on the counter-attack.
Match Details
Competition: Carabao Cup, First Round
Location: Oxford, England
Stadium: Kassam Stadium
Date: Tuesday, August 12, 2025
Kick-off Time: 2:45 PM ET / 7:45 PM BST / 8:45 PM CEST
Referee: Jacob Miles
Head-to-Head & Form Guide
The history between these two teams is not extensive, with their most recent meeting being in the FA Cup in 2003, which Colchester won 1-0. However, both teams have had mixed starts to their current seasons. Oxford United’s recent form has been a concern, with a number of mixed results in their pre-season friendlies and an opening-day defeat in the Championship. Colchester United has also had a difficult start to their League Two season, but they will be motivated by the prospect of a cup upset. The Carabao Cup is a different competition entirely, and both teams will be viewing this match as a chance to secure a crucial win and gain momentum for the rest of their seasons.
Oxford United:
Oxford United enters this match with the pressure of a difficult start to the season. The team will be looking to its key players, including new signings and in-form midfielders, to deliver a performance worthy of their league status. Manager Gary Rowett is expected to use this match to give minutes to some of his new signings and to test new tactical setups. The team will be looking to its home crowd for support as they aim to progress to the second round of the cup. With their superior squad depth, they are the clear favorites to win this match.
August 9, 2025: Oxford United 0–1 Portsmouth (Championship)
July 22, 2025: Mansfield Town 0–1 Oxford United (Friendly)
July 15, 2025: Oxford United 2–1 Maidenhead United (Friendly)
Colchester United:
Colchester United is facing a tough challenge against a higher-division opponent. The team will be motivated by the prospect of a cup upset and a chance to beat their rivals. Manager Danny Cowley has a number of new signings at his disposal, including midfielder Dominic Gape and striker Will Goodwin, and they will be looking to make an impact in this match. Colchester will likely adopt a defensive and disciplined approach, aiming to frustrate Oxford and capitalize on any set pieces or counter-attacking opportunities. The team’s resolve and fighting spirit will be their biggest assets in this match, as they seek to pull off a shock result and advance to the next round.
August 9, 2025: Oldham Athletic 1–1 Colchester United (League Two)
August 2, 2025: Colchester United 1–1 Tranmere Rovers (League Two)
July 12, 2025: Maldon & Tiptree 0–3 Colchester United (Friendly)
Tactical Analysis & Key Players
Oxford United is expected to control possession and dictate the tempo of the game. They will rely on their creative midfielders and attacking forwards to create scoring opportunities. The key matchup will be between Oxford’s attack and Colchester’s defense. For Colchester, the strategy will be more pragmatic, with a focus on staying compact and frustrating their opponents. They will look to the pace of their wingers to launch quick counter-attacks. The match will be a test of Colchester’s resilience against Oxford’s quality. While an upset is always possible in a cup tie, Oxford United’s superior individual talent should ultimately be the deciding factor.
How to Watch Oxford United vs. Colchester United on TV, Live Stream
CountryTV/Live StreamUnited KingdomSky Sports Football, Sky Sports+United StatesESPN+CanadaDAZN CanadaAustraliabeIN Sports
For viewers in the United Kingdom, the match will be broadcast on Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports+. In the United States, you can catch the action on ESPN+. In Canada, the game is available via DAZN Canada, while in Australia, beIN Sports will be broadcasting the match. For all other regions, broadcasting information can vary, so it’s best to check official EFL Cup or local sports broadcasting websites for the most up-to-date information on how to watch the match live.
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