What must happen for Oxford United to avoid Championship relegation?

Oxford Mail · By Malachi Obrey

Charlton Athletic FC Leicester City FC Oxford United FC Sheffield Wednesday FC Football Sport

Oxford United are still capable of avoiding Championship relegation heading into this weekend's penultimate fixture against Sheffield Wednesday.

The U's are currently in 22nd and six points from safety, Charlton Athletic currently hovering above them.

This week's results saw Blackburn Rovers secure safety with a 3-1 win away at Sheffield United.

Thankfully for Matt Bloomfield's side, Charlton lost 2-1 to Ipswich Town, meaning Oxford still have a chance of staving off relegation with only two games of the season remaining.

Oxford United fans watch on at the Kassam against Wrexham (Image: Jason Dawson)

The Yellows have no choice but to win their remaining games, against Sheffield Wednesday and Millwall, respectively, whilst banking on the Addicks to lose both of theirs, against Hull City and Swansea City.

These results would likely see United overtake Charlton on goal difference - Oxford are currently two behind Nathan Jones' side - and secure second-tier survival by the skin of their teeth.

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However, The U's could already be relegated come their three o'clock kick-off on Saturday should Charlton beat Hull in their lunchtime kick-off.

Cameron Brannagan of Oxford United scores a goal from the penalty spot against Charlton Athletic (Image: Jason Dawson)

Meanwhile, West Bromwich Albion, whilst currently safe, are still waiting on a verdict regarding their alleged breach of the EFL's profit and sustainability regulations.

A potential points deduction could be on the way for the Baggies, raising question marks over their situation.

A two-point deduction, for example, would leave them on the same points as Charlton and vulnerable to being overtaken by The U's should they lose their final two games and Oxford win both of theirs by a comfortable margin.

West Brom received a two-point deduction on Friday, bringing them to within six points of Oxford.

This means that, similarly to Charlton, they must secure at least a point over their next to matches to maintain their Championship status.

If they lose both of their games, against Ipswich Town and Sheffield Wednesday, and Oxford win both of their whilst overturning a goal difference margin of six, The Yellows will stay up.

A taller order than catching Charlton, but a possibility nonetheless.

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