Portsmouth v Oxford United: team news, predicted line-ups, betting odds and key stats ahead of the big game

Three games separate the Blues and a welcome return to the Championship – and it all starts with tonight’s play-off semi-final first-leg tie against Oxford United at Fratton Park (5.30pm).

Kenny Jackett’s side will be keen to get off to a flier, with the return leg to take place at the Kassam Stadium on Monday.

But with both games – and the potential final at Wembley – played behind closed doors, anything is possible.

Here’s all you need to know ahead of Pompey’s biggest game of the season to date.

Pompey team news

Pompey have avoided picking up any new injury concerns this week going into the Oxford United showdown.

Ellis Harrison had a slight back problem but is fully fit for the game and will vie to lead the line with John Marquis.

Kenny Jackett has been boosted by Bryn Morris being back in action after a nightmare year of injury issues.

The Blues boss will be without one player, however, who is opting out of training as is his prerogative as part of government guidelines for elite sport's return.

Predicted starting XI

Alex Bass, James Bolton, Christian Burgess, Sean Raggett, Steve Seddon, Tom Naylor, Cameron McGeehan, Ryan Williams, Andy Cannon, Ronan Curtis, Ellis Harrison

Oxford team news

Karl Robinson will be without former Pompey loanee, George Thorne, who dislocated his shoulder last year and continues to be troubled by injury problems.

Oxford are hopeful Rob Hall will be available after returning from a loan spell with Forest Green, while the same applies for Jamie Mackie and Feyenoord loanee Liam Kelly over short-term contract extensions.

Otherwise, Robinson will have his strongest possible squad to select from, including striker Matty Taylor who’s looking to build on a run of six goals in five games.

Predicted starting XI

Simon Eastwood, Sam Long, Rob Dickie, Elliott Moore, Josh Ruffels, Alex Gorrin, Cameron Brannagan, Ben Woodburn, James Henry, Marcus Browne, Matty Taylor.

Match-day odds (Ladbrokes)

Pompey 6/5

1-0 11/2, 2-0 17/2, 2-1 15/2, 3-0 20/1, 3-1 18/1, 3-2 28/1

Oxford 23/10

1-0 15/2, 2-0 16/1, 2-1 10/1, 3-0 40/1, 3-1 28/1, 3-2 40/1

Draw 11/5

0-0 7/1, 1-1 24/5, 2-2 14/1, 3-3 66/1

Referee

Gavin Ward

Pompey stats

Top scorer: John Marquis (14)

Most assists: Ronan Curtis (12)

Most games played: John Marquis (46)

Oxford stats:

Top scorer: Matty Taylor (17)

Most assists: James Henry (10)

Most games played: Rob Dickie (46)

Form guide

Pompey

P50 W20 D10 L11

Past five games

D 2-2 Fleetwood (H) League One

L 2-0 Peterborough (A) League One

L 2-0 Arsenal (H) FA Cup

W 3-0 Rochdale (H) League One

W 3-1 MK Dons (H) League One

Oxford

P49 W24 D15 L10

Past five games

W 3-2 Shrewsbury (A) League One

W 2-1 Southend (H) League One

W 3-0 Accrington (H) League One

W 1-0 Ipswich (A) League One

W 5-0 Wimbledon (H) League One

Other games

Tonight

Fleetwood v Wycombe (7.30pm)

Monday

Oxford v Pompey (5pm), Wycombe v Fleetwood (7.30pm).