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Oxford United Could Face Portsmouth in Playoffs

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Oxford United would be promoted to the Championship with a third-place finish if the EFL opt for the weighted points per game (PPG) system, but if they decide on the unweighted option, a playoff place would be the outcome.

As a result, Karl Robinson’s side would face Portsmouth in the semi-finals, with the winner of Wycombe and Fleetwood in the final.

Following this mornings meeting, in which a final decision is yet to be made, all 23 League One clubs will have to wait for the result which should now come on Monday.

While saying clubs should decide how to conclude their respective divisions, a statement for the EFL reads: “The rationale for playing the remaining matches has been fully debated with a particular focus on the issues COVID-19 has created in respect of health and wellbeing, ongoing testing requirements, player registration issues and the financial burdens clubs already face at this difficult time.

“In the event of a curtailment of the season, the EFL Board outlined how this could be addressed through a framework that includes maintaining the principle of promotion and relegation, league tables to be determined via unweighted points per game (PPG) and Play-Offs to remain in every division to determine the final promotion place.”

On League One specifically, the EFL said: “There were varied views shared in League One and it was determined that there would be a further period of reflection and consultation to understand what creative solutions could be implemented.

“It was acknowledged that the need to find innovative and creative solutions was of paramount importance as was the need for decisions to be taken quickly.”

Whatever decision is made, not every supporter, club or player will be happy with the result. Oxford United have a strong chance of gaining promotion despite numerous options as to how to finish the campaign.

Being third, if the season is finished now them they would go up, as they would under the weighted PPG option. Then, of course, if the playoffs become an option, Robinson’s side have as good a chance as any to secure promotion.

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