Oxford United welcome Portsmouth on Tuesday night knowing three points could move them into the playoffs.
The U’s played out a goalless draw against Ipswich Town on Saturday while Pompey suffered a second straight loss with defeat at home to Blackpool. Kenny Jackett’s side are now just four points clear of Oxford in League One.
Oxford’s draw was their first stalemate in 11 league games – a run that included nine wins. Since the turn of the new year, Pompey have picked up four wins but also suffered four losses in nine league games. Portsmouth have won four of their last five league games on the road but the U’s are unbeaten in their last six home matches, including five successive wins.
Sam Long and Marcus McGuane are close to a return for the U’s who otherwise have a fully fit squad. Pompey have no new injury concerns but Alex Bass and Michael Jacobs remain sidelined.
Since netting a brace against Bristol Rovers in late January, top scorer Matty Taylor has gone eight games without adding to his 11 goals. For Portsmouth, a front three of John Marquis, Ronan Curtis and Marcus Harness has provided goals. The trio have scored 31 between them and added 19 assists. Defensive midfielder Tom Naylor has also chipped in with seven goals this season.
The U’s are unbeaten against Portsmouth in the last six meetings, but the last five games have ended in draws. The two sides played out a 1-1 draw at Fratton Park earlier in the season – the same scoreline as the one league meeting and two playoff semi-final encounters last season, which the U’s won on penalties.
Predicted line-up: Jack Stevens, Josh Ruffels, Rob Atkinson, Elliott Moore, Anthony Forde, Alex Rodriguez Gorrin, Cameron Brannagan, James Henry, Mide Shodipo, Mark Sykes, Sam Winnall.
Prediction: Oxford United 2-1 Portsmouth
