How approach taken by Portsmouth's rivals could hold key to Fortress Fratton's return ahead of Oxford United visit

The Blues boss stressed the importance of his side continuing to get it right at PO4, with Saturday’s 4-1 beating of Crewe marking the start of a run of four games in five on home soil.

Jackett’s side continue a period of three Fratton games in eight days against Oxford United tomorrow, knowing they need to keep the flow of points going to keep pace with their promotion rivals.

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Pompey delivered an excellent counter-attacking display to defeat David Artell’s side, who played the expansive game they’re associated with.

That suited the Blues who exploited space on the counter, but the question now is will Oxford follow suit opt to be more difficult to break down.

That may be key after three home defeats in four followed the 17-month unbeaten home league run which ended in September.

Jackett said: ‘We’ve wanted to try to help that (the home form) because there’s three games in eight days at home.

‘We’ve made a few mistakes at home and in individual games.

‘We had to affect and counter how Crewe play, that’s very important.

‘They’re slightly different, but, like Plymouth have been buoyed by their promotion.

‘They have some very good players and David has done an excellent job there.’

Saturday’s win ended a run of three home defeats in four for Pompey, which has been in sharp contrast to excellent away form.

Jackett believes the absence of fans at games could be impacting their home and away records.

He added: ‘The away form has been excellent but would we have that if the crowd was there? Probably home and away form would be adjusted.

‘There was a decision which went against us and you can go back to the first games behind closed doors against Oxford when decisions went against us.

‘With a crowd that may have been different and we could have got to the final, so it goes both ways really in terms of how it’s affected things.

‘Overall, we do want the supporters to come back like everyone in the game. They are a big part of it.

‘We need supporters to encourage our players, as they do fantastically well here.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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