FA Cup First Round Preview: Oxford City vs Leicester City – Team News, Lineups, Prediction. Can the Non-League Side Spring a Shock?

Leicester City travel to National League North side Oxford City on Friday night in the FA Cup first round, aiming to avoid what would rank among the competition’s more notable upsets in recent years.

It is the first time the Foxes have appeared at this stage of the tournament since 2008. Oxford City, meanwhile, have earned the opportunity to claim a major scalp after navigating three earlier rounds, defeating Dorchester, Enfield Town and Torquay.

The hosts enter the tie on the back of a 3-1 home defeat to South Shields in the National League North on Saturday. Ross Jenkins’ side currently sit second in the division with 27 points from 14 matches, two points behind leaders South Shields following that result.

Leicester come into the fixture following a 2-2 draw with Stevenage that left them 10th in League One. The Foxes have won three of their last five league games, yet their overall start to the season has been regarded as underwhelming.

Leicester famously lifted the FA Cup in 2021 with a 1-0 victory over Chelsea, courtesy of a second-half goal from Youri Tielemans. Manager Russell Martin remains under pressure but continues in the role as he seeks to guide the club back towards the Championship. Their most recent FA Cup outing ended in a 2-1 defeat to Southampton in the last 16 of the 2025-26 competition.

Oxford City form (FA Cup): W-W-W
Oxford City form (all competitions): W-W-W-D-W-L

Leicester City form (all competitions): L-W-W-L-W-D

Team News

Oxford City are expected to look to Tyrone Marsh for goals. The 32-year-old has scored nine times in all competitions this season. Scott Pollock has also been influential, contributing six goals and two assists in 13 appearances. Ludwig Francillette and Josh Ashby are among those also likely to feature prominently.

Leicester are anticipated to make several changes from the side that drew with Stevenage. Ben Nelson and Jakub Stolarczyk are both unavailable through injury. Conor Chaplin is expected to feature in the final third, while 19-year-old Ilari Kangasniemi is tipped to start in defence. Teenager Louis Page is among those expected to be rested.

Possible starting lineups

Oxford City: Maxted; Nelson, Francillette, Carroll, Humphries; Tetek, Ashby; Bateman, Pollock, Brown; Marsh

Leicester City: McCarthy; Aluko, Souttar, Kangasniemi, Thomas; Lundstram, Neale; Howell, Chaplin, Watson; Bristric

Prediction

Leicester City are clear favourites on paper as a League One side facing National League North opposition. Despite a mixed start to the season and the likelihood of squad rotation, the Foxes possess superior quality and depth. Oxford City will be highly motivated on home soil and capable of making the contest uncomfortable, but Leicester should have enough to progress.

Predicted score: Oxford City 1-3 Leicester City

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