We look ahead to Saturday's game at Fratton Park
• United look to build on Mansfield win• Skarz back in contention
• Awford and Waddock in the Pompey dug-out
• Full ticket and travel details
TEAM NEWS
Joe Skarz returns to the squad as United head for Portmouth in Sky Bet League 2. The left back missed last weekend's 3-0 win over Mansfield but has come through two training sessions at the squad's Bisham Abbey training camp over the last three days and looks to be challenging Sam Long for the place on the left side of defence. Andy Whing is a slight doubt after picking up a knock during the development side's 2-0 win over Southend on Tuesday and French midfielder Jeremy Balmy is not quite ready after a slight hamstring injury but otherwise United are at full strength.
"We need to keep the momentum going after last week," defender Johnny Mullins said. "It was a good win over Mansfield and we have trained well this week but it is all about keepng things going on Saturday. We know it's going to be a great atmosphere and our fans will get behind us in numbers so it's important we do the basics right and we get another positive result."
See Michael Appleton, Johnny Mullins and Patrick Hoban ahead of the game in Yellow Player where we will also have full commentary on the whole game.
THE OPPOSITION
There will be two familiar faces in the Portmouth dug-out. Pompey boss Andy Awford was Assistant Manager at United under Jim Smith while his assistant Gary Waddock was United's Head Coach last season. Three wins in a row and six games unbeaten means Portsmouth are in fine form coming itno the game.
"We need to keep the momentum going after last week," defender Johnny Mullins said. "It was a good win over Mansfield and we have trained well this week but it is all about keepng things going on Saturday. We know it's going to be a great atmosphere and our fans will get behind us in numbers so it's important we do the basics right and we get another positive result."
See Michael Appleton, Johnny Mullins and Patrick Hoban ahead of the game in Yellow Player where we will also have full commentary on the whole game.
THE OPPOSITION
There will be two familiar faces in the Portmouth dug-out. Pompey boss Andy Awford was Assistant Manager at United under Jim Smith while his assistant Gary Waddock was United's Head Coach last season. Three wins in a row and six games unbeaten means Portsmouth are in fine form coming itno the game.
"We want this run to continue and the only way that will happen is if we keep working hard," said Waddock. "Everybody’s worked extremely hard and the game at Wycombe seems to have been a turning point.
“The effort that the players have produced on the training ground has resulted in an upturn in performances. Football’s funny – there are incredibly fine margins and you need a little bit of luck along the way. But we want this run to continue and the only way that will happen is if we keep working hard.”
Waddock is philosophical about his time with the U's:
“New owners came in and wanted their own man,” he explained. “I have no problem with that – it’s the business we’re in. There are still players there from when I was manager, although there has also been a lot of new guys coming in. They’re a strong outfit and have some talented people in that team, so it’s all set up to be a good game on Saturday.”
James Dunne’s 10th booking of the season against Tranmere means he misses the game through suspension.
TICKETS AND TRAVEL
Sky Bet League 2
Saturday 28th February, 3pm kick off
Fratton Park
This game is ALL TICKET and ticket are on GENERAL SALE from the Oxford United Ticket office (01865 337533) until 3pm on Friday 27th February. They will not be available on matchday.
Adult £20
Over 60 £15
17-22 year old £15
Unaccompanied junior under 17 £10
Accompanied junior (with paying adult or senior) £5
Disabled supporters
Wheelchair and carer £10
Ambulant over 60/17-22 £15
Ambulant under 17 £5
Carers are required to be on the highest rate of DLA.
Wheelchair supporters are located amongst the home wheelchair section in front of the Fratton End.
Supporters are advised not to travel unless tickets have been purchased in advance as there will be none available on the day of the match.
ALL THE ODDS
Sky Bet always has great odds on every United game and every single person who signs up earns the club some money. You win, the U's win. Easy.
Click HERE for the full list of odds on tonight’s game.
COVERAGE
If you can’t be with us then live full match commentary is available in Yellow Player. Yellow Player is the ONLY place on the internet where you can listen to the game live, and there will also be video interviews with all the key men plus extended highlights.
THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE
www.oufc.co.uk is the perfect place to follow all the action. The official website will have:
- An exciting match console
- A full match report the minute the final whistle is blown
- A full photo gallery of all the key moments
- The manager and key players' reactions in Yellow Player
- SMS subscribers will receive all the action straight to their mobiles.
Or follow @OUFCOfficial on Twitter for regular updates and all the action on Saturday.
“The effort that the players have produced on the training ground has resulted in an upturn in performances. Football’s funny – there are incredibly fine margins and you need a little bit of luck along the way. But we want this run to continue and the only way that will happen is if we keep working hard.”
Waddock is philosophical about his time with the U's:
“New owners came in and wanted their own man,” he explained. “I have no problem with that – it’s the business we’re in. There are still players there from when I was manager, although there has also been a lot of new guys coming in. They’re a strong outfit and have some talented people in that team, so it’s all set up to be a good game on Saturday.”
James Dunne’s 10th booking of the season against Tranmere means he misses the game through suspension.
TICKETS AND TRAVEL
Sky Bet League 2
Saturday 28th February, 3pm kick off
Fratton Park
This game is ALL TICKET and ticket are on GENERAL SALE from the Oxford United Ticket office (01865 337533) until 3pm on Friday 27th February. They will not be available on matchday.
Adult £20
Over 60 £15
17-22 year old £15
Unaccompanied junior under 17 £10
Accompanied junior (with paying adult or senior) £5
Disabled supporters
Wheelchair and carer £10
Ambulant over 60/17-22 £15
Ambulant under 17 £5
Carers are required to be on the highest rate of DLA.
Wheelchair supporters are located amongst the home wheelchair section in front of the Fratton End.
Supporters are advised not to travel unless tickets have been purchased in advance as there will be none available on the day of the match.
Sky Bet always has great odds on every United game and every single person who signs up earns the club some money. You win, the U's win. Easy.
Click HERE for the full list of odds on tonight’s game.
COVERAGE
If you can’t be with us then live full match commentary is available in Yellow Player. Yellow Player is the ONLY place on the internet where you can listen to the game live, and there will also be video interviews with all the key men plus extended highlights.
THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE
www.oufc.co.uk is the perfect place to follow all the action. The official website will have:
- An exciting match console
- A full match report the minute the final whistle is blown
- A full photo gallery of all the key moments
- The manager and key players' reactions in Yellow Player
- SMS subscribers will receive all the action straight to their mobiles.
Or follow @OUFCOfficial on Twitter for regular updates and all the action on Saturday.