A full preview as United kick off the new season
We look ahead to the opening game of the season as United head for Portsmouth.
TEAM NEWS
Manager Chris Wilder faces some interesting selection choices after his side impressed in pre-season. Keeper Ryan Clarke should return to first team duty for the first time after his shoulder operation last season, with understudy Max Crocombe dropping to the bench. Full-backs David Hunt and Tom Newey are set to make their competitive debuts, while the returning Johnny Mullins looks likely to join captain Jake Wright in the centre of defence.
Danny Rose is also in line for a return in midfield, but new man Jonathan Meades will miss out due to ruptured ligaments in his left ankle, which will keep him sidelined for 12 weeks.
Dave Kitson looks ready to lead the line in his league debut, with James Constable and Deane Smalley fighting for a place alongside him.
THE OPPOSITION
It’s a new-look Portsmouth side that will line up for their first match in the fourth tier since 1980. Manager Guy Whittingham has brought 11 new faces to Fratton Park over the summer and has seen his side installed as the bookies’ favourites for promotion this season. He told the Portsmouth News:
“We've got a way we want to play. We're settled on what we want to do. But successful sides invariably start the season well and keep going.
“We're quietly confident we've done pretty well recruiting the players we've got and the pre-season we've had. But we know Oxford will be feeling the same as us.”
Ex-Oxford striker Tom Craddock is in contention to make his debut up front for Pompey but faces stiff opposition from David Connelly and new signing Patrick Agyemang.
TICKET NEWS
This game is ALL TICKET and all tickets have now been sold. None will be available on the day of the game.
Fratton Park, Frogmore Road, Portsmouth PO4 8RA
All tickets for this game have now been sold. Due to the high demand a waiting list has been put in place. Supporters wishing to register on this list should call the ticket office on 01865 337533 or call in person during normal office hours.
(By car, 86 miles from Oxford)TRAVEL
Continue along the M27 eastbound (ignoring the M275 turn off for Portsmouth city centre) on to the A27. At the junction with the A2030 turn right towards Southsea/Fratton. Continue along the A2030 and eventually you will see the ground in front of you.
Travelling by rail
Once at Fratton Station, exit via the footbridge and turn left onto Goldsmith Avenue. Continue along for approximately half a mile and Frogmore Road is on your left. Fratton Park is situated at the bottom.
Parking spaces are very limited; but the club does offer free spaces to wheelchair users provided they hold a valid ticket for the wheelchair section and a blue badge. The postcode for parking is PO4 8SX
www.portsmouthfc.co.ukTravel information supplied by
LONDON ROAD CLUB COACHES:
Departure Times: Stadium 11.15am - Ice Rink 11.30am
Fares: Adult Member £14.00, Adult Non-Member £16.00
Junior Member £12.00, Junior Non-Member £14.00
HOME LEAGUE MATCHES:
Tickets are now on general sale for next Saturday's home game against Bury, the club's first home game of the season.
24/7, telephone 01865 337533 or call in person at the ticket office during normal office hours.www.oufctickets.co.ukTo book your tickets please visit
YELLOW ARMY
Be part of the Yellow Army tomorrow. With thousands of Oxford fans travelling and a colourful display promised by the Yellow Army make sure you play a part in what should be a fantastic occasion.
You can help a legend tomorrow: The Yellow Army will be collecting for David Langan before the game as you enter the turnstiles. Even if you can only spare a pound, please give generously to help make a difference for a true United legend.
COVERAGE
, where we have commentary of the whole game live, plus video interviews with all the key men and match highlights for you to see. Yellow PlayerIf you can't be there then try out
Yellow Player is the ONLY place on the internet that you can hear the game online. See the Preview Show right now
THIS SITE
is the perfect place to follow all the action. The official website will have:www.oufc.co.uk
- Full team news
- Read a full match report the very second the final whistle blows
- See a full gallery of all the key moments
- See the manager and key players give their reactions in Yellow Player
- SMS subscribers get all the action straight to their mobiles.
for all the action wherever you are.TwitterOr follow @OUFClive on