Oxford United v Portsmouth early team news: Encouraging bill of health for Pompey but U’s have doubts

The Blues boss once again has a squad of 24 to choose from ahead of this evening’s Kassam Stadium decider (5pm).

However, the likelihood is there will be a little freshening up, despite Jackett being pleased with how his team performed in the first leg.

Tom Naylor is a consideration following his shock omission, with either Cameron McGeehan or Bryn Morris to make way if that’s the case.

Elsewhere, James Bolton is pushing to replace Ross McCrorie at right-back, while new skipper Lee Brown could be under pressure from Steve Seddon, despite impressively shackling danger man James Henry.

Another alteration could be a start for 14-goal John Marquis, after 17 minutes from the bench on Friday.

As for Oxford, boss Karl Robinson will be assessing Matty Taylor, who has been troubled by a hamstring niggle of late.

He came off in the 73rd minute during the first leg – and Oxford will be desperate for their leading scorer to be available.

Loanee Marcus Browne, who scored in Friday’s encounter before replaced nine minutes from time, is expected to be fit, despite a niggle.

There are doubts over Cameron Brannagan who limped off in that same match, but his exit was explained as cramp.

Should he not be available, Liam Kelly is the most likely to step into the starting XI as his replacement.

Finally, Ben Woodburn didn’t catch the eye in his first appearance since October, so Mark Sykes could be handed a recall.

Pompey (Possible line-up): Bass, Bolton, Burgess, Raggett, Brown, Naylor, McGeehan, Harness, Cannon, Curtis, Harrison.

Oxford (Possible line-up): Eastwood, Long, Dickie, Moore, Ruffels, Gorrin, Brannagan, Sykes, Henry, Taylor, Browne.

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