Oxford United start Carabao Cup vs Leyton Orient amid transfer embargo

Oxford United travel to Leyton Orient for the first‑round Carabao Cup match. The U’s are operating under a transfer embargo imposed weeks after Aaron Ramsey was appointed head coach, meaning no new signings have joined and the squad will rely on younger players. Pre‑season form has been strong, with wins over Aldershot, Barnet, Crawley and Ipswich, and Gatlin O'Donkor scoring in three of those games. Injuries have sidelined Ruben Roosken and Jeon Jin‑woo for several months.

Leyton Orient host the fixture after a busy summer that saw ten departures and eight arrivals, including former Oxford defender Fin Stevens. The O’s finished 20th in League One last season and aim to improve on a narrow escape from relegation. Both clubs are also preparing for the start of their 2026‑27 League One campaigns.