Portsmouth v Oxford: team news, predicted starting XIs, match odds and key stats

The two clubs squared up in the League One play-off semi-finals last term, with Karl Robinson’s side progressing to the final thanks to a penalty shootout at the Kassam Stadium.

Since then, both teams have had to regroup and refocus for another promotion attempt.

The Blues have got over their slow start to the season and now sit fourth after eight wins in their past 10 outings.

Oxford, who sit 19th in the standings, have also improved in recent games.

But they remain well short of the side that eventually lost to Wycombe at Wembley in the League One play-off final.

Here’s all you need to know going into tonight’s game...

Pompey team news

Ryan Williams has handed Pompey a fitness boost ahead of their game against Oxford.

The Aussie has returned to training after picking up a hip injury in the 2-2 draw with Plymouth.

That ruled him out of Saturday’s 4-1 win against Crewe.

But the forward is in contention to start against the U’s having resumed normal duties with the Blues.

Full-backs Callum Johnson and Lee Brown are set to start after their introduction at half-time on Saturday for Haji Mnoga and Cameron Pring respectively.

However, there’s still no sign of a Michael Jacobs comeback.

He’s still recovering from a knee injury suffered at Sunderland last month.

Predicted line-up

Craig MacGillivray, Callum Johnson, Jack Whatmough, Sean Raggett, Lee Brown, Marcus Harness, Tom Naylor, Andy Cannon, Ronan Curtis, Ryan Williams, John Marquis.

Subs: Alex Bass, Cam Pring, Rasmus Nicolaisen, Ben Close, Bryn Morris, Ellis Harrison, Jordy Hiwula.

Oxford team news

U’s boss Karl Robinson has promised to make changes to his side for the trip to Fratton Park.

He’s admitted some of his players are tired following Saturday’s game at Wigan and feels a need to freshen it up, despite returning home with a 2-1 win.

That could see midfielder Jamie Hanson make a comeback following an ankle injury. while Sean Clare could start following his substitute appearance against the Latics.

Striker Sam Winnall misses out because of a hamstring injury.

Meanwhile, Cameron Brannagan remains on the mend following an eye infection.

Predicted line-up

Simon Eastwood, Sean Clare, Sam Long, Rob Atkinson, Jordan Obita, Josh Ruffles, Alex Gorrin, Jamie Hanson, Liam Kelly, Matty Taylor, James Henry.

Subs: Jack Stephens, Elliott Moore, John Mousinho, Mark Sykes, Marcus McGuane, Anthony Forde, Daniel Agyei, Olamide Shodipo.

Match-day odds (bet365)

Pompey: 17/20

1-0 7/1, 2-0 17/2, 2-1 15/2, 3-0 16/1, 3-1 14/1, 3-2 25/1

Oxford: 31/10

1-0 10/1, 2-0 18/1, 2-1 12/1, 3-0 40/1, 3-1 28/1, 3-2 33/1

Draw: 11/4

0-0 11/1, 1-1 6/1, 2-2 14/1, 3-3 50/1

Referee

Tim Robinson

Pompey stats

Top scorer: John Marquis (11)

Top assists: Marcus Harness (5)

Most appearances: John Marquis (18)

Oxford stats

Top scorer: Matty Taylor (4)

Top assists: Anthony Forde, Marcus McGuane, Sam Long (all 3)

Most appearances: Sam Long (16)

Form guide

Pompey: P19 W10 D4 L5

Past five games:

W 4-1 Crewe (H) – League One

D 2-2 Plymouth (A) – League One

L 1-0 West Ham under-21s (Papa John’s Trophy)

W 3-2 Ipswich (A) – FA Cup (after extra time)

W 3-1 Lincoln (A) League One

Oxford stats: P17 W6 D3 L8

Past five games:

W 2-1 Wigan (A) – League One

L 2-0 Crewe (H) – League One

W 1-0 Walsall (A) – EFL Trophy

L 2-1 Peterborough (H) – FA Cup

W 3-1 Rochdale (H) – League One

League One fixtures (7pm kick-off unless stated)

Accrington Stanley v Crewe, Burton Albion v Charlton, Doncaster Rovers v Blackpool, Gillingham v AFC Wimbledon (6pm), Ipswich v Hull City, MK Dons v Shrewsbury, Peterborough United v Plymouth, Rochdale v Northampton, Swindon v Lincoln, Wigan v Bristol Rovers