Match Previews

Portsmouth vs Oxford United | Match Preview

Sunday 5 April

Fratton Park
Monday 6 April, 12:30pm

The Yellows will aim to build on their encouraging performance and hard-earned point against promotion-chasing Hull City on Friday as they head to Portsmouth for a crucial away fixture. With both sides desperate for victory, the stage is set for a gripping contest.

Form Guide - Snapshot

Oxford United: W2 D2 L1 from the previous five games. The U’s may feel they left two points behind against Hull, with a performance and number of chances that arguably deserved all three. Still, there were plenty of positives to take, and they will head into this clash full of confidence against a Portsmouth side that has been without a home win since January.
Portsmouth: W0 D2 L3 in their last five. Pompey rescued a late point at Norwich on Friday and will be eager to use that as a springboard to revive their form. Winless in their last seven, they need to start collecting points quickly if they are to steer clear of relegation.

The Rivalry - A Quick Head-to-Head Check

The two sides last met on the opening day of the 2025/26 Championship season. On a sun-soaked afternoon at the Kassam Stadium back in August, a first-half strike from Adrian Segecic proved enough to secure victory for Pompey, despite a dominant showing from the hosts.

This is a fixture steeped in history, having been contested 79 times since 1968. In recent years, however, it has not been kind to the Yellows, who are winless in their last eight against Pompey, stretching back to a 3-2 triumph in 2022.

The last meeting at Fratton Park came in October 2024, when Louie Sibley’s late equaliser earned a valuable point on the road.

Yellows fans will certainly view Portsmouth as a 'bogey team' based on recent history, so if there was ever a moment to end that hoodoo, this would certainly be it for Matt Bloomfield’s side!

The Key Battles: Where This Game Could Be Won And Lost

Defensive solidity: Portsmouth have managed just four goals in their last six matches while conceding 12. In contrast, United have scored six and shipped only six over the same period. Helik and Brown have looked very solid at the heart of the defence in recent weeks, and with Yunus Konak providing a reliable shield in front of them, there is growing confidence that they can keep out Monday’s opponents, who have been struggling in front of goal.
Penalties aplenty: You know the old saying: you wait ages for one bus and then two come along at once. After going nearly two years without a penalty, United have now been awarded two in their last three matches. It’s no coincidence, with the attacking spark of Jamie Donley and Myles Peart-Harris combining alongside Will Lankshear, the side is getting into dangerous areas far more frequently, whether to test the goal or draw fouls in and around the box. With the ever-reliable captain Brannagan from the spot, there will be real confidence if another opportunity from 12 yards comes along. Pompey have already conceded three penalties this season, and the Yellows will be hoping that tally rises again on Monday.
Jamie Donley finding the gaps: The Northern Ireland international is in fine form. After finding the net on international duty, he followed it up with a defence-splitting pass that led to United’s penalty on Friday. He’s consistently picking up the ball in pockets that are proving difficult for opposition defences to handle. The on-loan Spurs midfielder will be eager to make a decisive impact as he looks to help the team secure the results needed to stay in the division.

Team News From Both Camps

The fitness of left-back Jack Currie is the primary concern for Matt Bloomfield ahead of the trip to Fratton Park. A minor ankle injury saw him miss out on Friday's game, and he will likely face a late fitness test to see if he is able to feature.

Otherwise, there are no fresh injury concerns.

Unavailable: Tyler Goodrham, Greg Leigh, Brian De Keersmaecker

It’s been a challenging 2026 on the injury front for the hosts, with several regular starters sidelined in recent weeks and a lengthy list in the treatment room.

Full-back Zak Swanson is unlikely to return in time as he continues to recover from a knee injury sustained in training, while Oxford United’s play-off final hero Josh Murphy is set to miss the rest of the season with the foot injury that has ruled him out since December.

Unavailable: Ebou Adams, Ajibola Alese, Florian Bianchini, Josh Knight, Mark Kosznovsky, Josh Murphy, Franco Umeh, Thomas Waddingham

Pompey Praying For Late Season Revival

1) Since the start of 2026, Portsmouth have struggled for consistency, leaving them hovering dangerously close to the relegation zone. Winless in their last seven matches, the urgency is clear, they must start collecting points quickly to avoid dropping into League One. With four of their final seven fixtures coming against top-half sides, this game represents a crucial opportunity to secure three points before facing teams pushing for promotion.

2) Under the management of former Oxford United midfielder John Mousinho, Portsmouth typically set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, built around an energetic, front-foot style. They emphasise aggressive pressing out of possession, looking to win the ball high up the pitch, while in possession they often mix direct play with wide attacking patterns, using wingers and overlapping full-backs as key creative outlets. The system is flexible, frequently shifting into more attacking shapes like a 3-2-5 when building play, with an emphasis on quick transitions, crosses into the box, and exploiting space in wide areas.

3) Despite their intent to press and disrupt opponents out of possession, Portsmouth rank among the lowest in the division for interceptions and tackles won. However, with an average of 51.9% possession this season, they are likely to see more of the ball on Monday. As has been the case for much of the campaign, Oxford United will look to capitalise on more limited possession, focusing on quick attacking transitions and posing a threat on the counter. Portsmouth have conceded the fourth-most goals in the division from counter-attacks (8), highlighting a clear vulnerability that players like Stan Mills and Jamie Donley will be eager to exploit.

Brannagan Back To His Best

With six goals and three assists this season, the captain has once again shown why he is one of United’s most influential players at the heart of midfield. Despite missing nine games between November and January due to injury, Brannagan has returned to top form in recent weeks, forging an impressive partnership with the likes of Konak and Donley.

His long-range shooting, precise delivery from set-pieces, and calmness from the penalty spot make him a vital asset to the team. Above all, his leadership is vital, and he will be determined to drive United forward as they fight for Championship survival.

By the Numbers — Fast Facts

Kick-off: Monday 6 April, 12:30pm at Fratton Park.
Recent form (last five): Oxford United W2 D2 L1; Portsmouth: W0 D2 L3.
Goals: Oxford United have scored 37 goals this season, Portsmouth have scored 38.
Fun Fact: Seven of the last ten meetings have seen both teams score.
Historic classics: Oxford United 2-2 Portsmouth (30 January 2024); Oxford United 3-2 Portsmouth (1 January 1987); Oxford United 4-1 Portsmouth (3 August 2013)
Played for both teams (Years at Oxford United): Robert Atkinson (2020-2021); Lee Bradbury (2004-2006); Tom Craddock (2010-2013); Owen Dale (2024-present); John Durnin (1989-1993); Simon Eastwood (2016-present); Trevor Hebberd (1982-1988); Dave Kitson (2013-2014); Josh Murphy (2022-2024); Myles Peart-Harris (2026-present); Matthew Robinson (2002-2006); Dane Scarlett (2024-2025); Malcolm Shotton (1980-1987); Mick Tait (1974-1977)
Top Goal scorers this season: Will Lankshear (8 goals); Adrian Segecic (6 goals).

Voices From The Camp:

Hear the thoughts of Matt Bloomfield and Myles Peart-Harris following Friday's draw against Hull City:

RETAIL

Our End of Season Sale is now in full swing! Enjoy up to 40% off all Macron products, from replica kits to training and travel wear. It’s the perfect chance to complete your 2025/26 collection before the campaign wraps up. Once it’s gone, it’s gone!

Click here to browse the End of Season Sale!

COMING UP

Just three games remain at the Kassam Stadium this season! The atmosphere against Hull City last time out was outstanding - let’s bring that same energy and get right behind the team for the final three.

Tickets for these matches remain available:

By clicking HERE
By calling 01865 337 533
By visiting the Ticket Office in person

MATCHDAY GUIDES

Matchday Guide

Get ready for matchday at Fratton Park! Click the arrow below to explore travel info, stadium facilities, and top tips provided by Portsmouth for making the most of your day.

Click here to read