Pompey's promotion to the Championship last season has seen them face some sides for the first time in many a year – Oxford are not one of them. In fact, since the Blues last competed at this level in 2012, there have been a staggering 23 meetings with United. And now the sides are preparing to do battle again at the Kassam Stadium on Saturday (12.30pm kick-off). While John Mousinho's men romped to the League One title last term, their opponents secured promotion by beating Bolton 2-0 at Wembley in the play-off final. Their hero that day was a certain Josh Murphy, who netted both of the goals in the first half before completing a summer switch to Fratton Park. But it is the home side who currently occupy the higher position going into this weekend's contest, sitting five points higher than the visitors in 16th spot. It was somewhat of a shock when they dismissed Des Buckingham as boss in mid-December, but replacement Gary Rowett has overseen a fine upturn in form. Oxford are now on a four-match winless run, however, and drew 0-0 at struggling Derby – another of last season's promoted teams – earlier in the week. Pompey drew 2-2 in last season's corresponding fixture, while it ended 1-1 when the sides met at Fratton Park earlier in the current campaign. Those fancying a flutter might be tempted to back another stalemate, with nine of the past 13 clashes ending all square after 90 minutes. TEAM NEWS Ibane Bowat (knee), Jacob Farrell (knee), Paddy Lane (knee), Conor Shaughnessy (hamstring) and Jordan Williams (hamstring) are all currently sidelined. Freddie Potts (calf) is also a doubt, while Saturday's game could come too soon for Regan Poole and Kusini Yengi following their returns to full training. Oxford are expected to be without both Tom Bradshaw (knee) and Elliott Moore (groin) for Saturday's contest. VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM Read the thoughts of John Mousinho and Nicolas Schmid ahead of the big game. HEAD TO HEAD Overall Pompey: 28 wins Oxford: 23 wins 26 draws On The Road Pompey: 8 wins Oxford: 18 wins 12 draws Last Away Meeting Oxford 2 (Goodrham, Henry) Pompey 2 (Bishop, Lang) League One January 30 2024 TICKETS Pompey have sold their full allocation of tickets for this fixture and no more will be available to purchase at Oxford on Satuday. Click here to read information on visiting the Kassam Stadium that has been produced by the home club. OFFICIALS Referee: Will Finnie Assistants: Alex James and Graham Kane Fourth Official: Sam Mulhall Finnie last took charge of Pompey when they drew 2-2 at Swansea back in November, showing four yellow cards to the visitors and just one to the hosts. He has taken charge of 26 games so far this season, booking a total of 82 players and sending off only one. MATCH COVERAGE Supporters in the UK can watch the game live via the Sky Sports+ app. Those based overseas can see all the action on Pompey+, either through a monthly/annual subscription or by purchasing a match pass. The matchday show is live before the game for Pompey+ subscribers and overseas fans with a video subscription/match pass. George Wedlake will be joined by Andy Awford and Paul Hardyman in the Fratton Park studio. Fans can get involved by sending messages and voicenotes to our Pompey+ WhatsApp channel* on +44 7457 413694 or via this link. Please note that the half-time and post-match shows are only available to watch for fans in regions where the game is being shown live on Pompey+. Audio commentary from Andrew Moon and Guy Whittingham is available for Pompey+ subscribers or those who purchase an audio subscription/match pass. Click here for more details about using Pompey+, including the answers to some frequently asked questions. Locally-based fans who are not going to the game can listen, as always, via BBC Radio Solent or Express FM (not available online). *Please note that the WhatsApp service is only for sending messages to appear on the matchday show. The club will not be able to reply to any messages.
Pompey have replaced injured centre half Conor Shaughnessy with Aussie youngster Hayden Matthews. No other changes. Josh Murphy is playing against his former side, and of course, head coach John Mousinho is a former player and coach at Oxford.
Oxford United Starting Line Up:- Number1, J. Cumming Number22, G. Leigh Number3, C. Brown Number47, M. Helik Number30, P. Kioso Number8, C. Brannagan Number4, W. Vaulks Number23, S. Dembélé Number20, Ruben Rodrigues Number7, P. Płacheta Number9, M. Harris Substitutes:- Number15, I. El Mizouni Number19, T. Goodrham Number21, M. Ingram Number2, S. Long Number18, A. Matos Number44, S. Mills Number10, M. Phillips Number24, H. ter Avest Number11, O. Romeny
I'm watching the match live on Sky Sports +, so please join in on the thread, if you so wish. Back at full time whistle.
Massive, massive win! Two enormous games coming up; QPR at home then Luton away. 4 or 6 points a must, before hosting the Leeds juggernaut.
Final whistle. 0-2 to Pompey. Our second away win of the season, three valuable points, and a clean sheet. Second Half goals from Andre Dozzell (his first for Pompey) in the 47th minute, and a late goal from sub striker Mark O'Mahony with lovely control and finish after 90 + 6 minutes. We played well, and despite the home team having the bulk of position during the game, they did nothing much with it. We are now 7 points clear of the bottom three which is very pleasing. The only downside was another possible injury, with Callum Lang limping off the pitch.
Final Match Stats:- Overall possession Oxford United 61.1%Portsmouth 38.9% Shots Oxford United 10Portsmouth 12 Shots on target Oxford United 1Portsmouth 4 Total touches inside the box Oxford United 20Portsmouth 23 Goalkeeper saves Oxford United 2Portsmouth 1 Fouls Oxford United 8Portsmouth 12 Corners Oxford United 4Portsmouth 5
Well what a good week for Pompey. I watched the first half of the Cardiff before having to leave for a medical appointment. At least I saw all the goals but it was an agonizing wait (the appointment was a long one) before the getting confirmation of the final result. The Oxford game commenced at 11.30pm Sydney time so I was looking forward to a relatively early night until some poor sole had a medical appointment more urgent than mine. The long break seemed to break the rhythm of the game which was never really re-established. However, the all-important three points were pocketed.!!!! Not a great game to watch but -given the right result - that hardly matters. Glad to see Mattews had a good game. I have serious doubts that he is any better than Towler (who I feel has had a rough deal coming into the side twice this season after injuries to others and never really letting the team down). However so far so good with Matthews todate. Although it came very late in the game I was impressed by O'Mahony's goal. Although well separated, all three of his goals this season have been clinically taken. PUP
