Oxford are the final team that Pompey will face this season, with Danny Cowley taking his troops to the Kassam Stadium on Saturday (3pm kick-off). The sides were supposed to face off on the south coast on Boxing Day, but the match was postponed because of a Covid outbreak. At that point the Blues were just three points outside the play-off spots, only for that unwanted pause to interrupt momentum. Now they go in search of a first League One victory of 2022, having dropped down to 12th in the standings. Their next opponents, meanwhile, are sitting in sixth position following a 1-1 midweek draw at high-flying Wigan. Immediately before that they had enjoyed a remarkable 7-2 victory at Gillingham, with Cameron Brannagan netting four penalties. Karl Robinson’s men are looking to make it third time lucky after falling in the play-offs in each of the past two seasons. Pompey won 1-0 on their last trip to the Kassam Stadium 12 months ago, courtesy of a fine header from Harvey White. TEAM NEWS Shaun Williams is set for a spell on the sidelines after suffering a fractured vertebrae, while Jayden Reid (knee) and Liam Vincent (shin) are still injured. Deadline day signing Aiden O’Brien could make his debut, while Ryan Tunnicliffe is nearing a return to action following a hamstring problem. Alex Gorrin (knee) and James Henry (calf) are missing for the hosts, who have just added free agent Sam Baldock to their ranks. HEAD TO HEAD Overall Pompey: 26 wins Oxford: 23 wins 21 draws On the road Pompey: 9 wins Oxford: 19 wins 9 draws OFFICIALS Referee: Samuel Barrott Assistants: Joseph Stokes and Paul Kelly Fourth Official: Carl Brook BETTING Oxford are the 21/20 favourites with VBET to secure all three points, while Pompey can be backed at 9/4.
Mahlon Romeo out with an ankle injury, and Shaun Williams out with a fracture in his back. New forward Aiden O'Brien named on the bench. Oxford with ex Pompey winger Ryan Williams at right wing back, and ex loanee Steve Seddon at left wing back.
1-1 now with a goal from Michael Jacobs in the 10th minute. Gavin Bazunu's long kick is flicked on by George Hirst and Ronan Curtis does well to keep it in play with a neat back-heel. The ball falls to Kieron Freeman, who squares for Michael Jacobs to slot home with a simple close-range finish.
Red card for Joe Morrell for catching Brannigan. The Radio Solent commentators saying that it wasn't a bad challenge, and should have been a yellow card at the worst. 16th minute. It took the referee two minutes to produce the red card, possibly influenced by repeated shouts of "Off, Off, Off" from the slightly biased home fans !
Attempt missed. Ciaron Brown (Oxford United) header from the centre of the box misses to the left. Assisted by Billy Bodin with a cross following a corner. 33 minutes.
Attempt missed. Luke McNally (Oxford United) right footed shot from the centre of the box is too high. Assisted by Ciaron Brown following a corner. 33 mins.
Attempt missed. Ryan Williams (Oxford United) left footed shot from the right side of the box is too high. Assisted by Matty Taylor. 40 minutes.
George Hirst goes to ground in the box under Moore's challenge, but the referee ignores his appeals ! 41 minutes.
Attempt missed. Herbie Kane (Oxford United) left footed shot from the centre of the box is close, but misses to the right following a corner. 42 minutes.
