On Saturday, October 5, Portsmouth will host Oxford United in the 9th round of the Championship, with the match kicking off at 13:30 Central European Time. Here’s the analysis and betting predictions for this encounter, prepared by the Sportsmacro team of analysts.
Portsmouth
After a 12-year absence, Portsmouth made their return to the Championship at the end of last season. Once a club that competed in European tournaments in the early 2000s, Portsmouth has faced significant financial challenges and narrowly avoided relegation to League Two.
Currently, Portsmouth’s squad depth and financial resources are still far below those of other Championship teams. Unsurprisingly, after eight rounds, they find themselves in 23rd place in the table with only four points, having recorded four draws and four losses so far.
In their most recent match, Portsmouth suffered a heavy 1-6 defeat to Stoke City, following a 0-0 draw against Sheffield United and a 1-2 loss to Burnley.
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Oxford United
Like Portsmouth, Oxford United also competed in League One last season. The “Yellows” earned promotion to England’s second tier for the first time since the 1998/99 season by defeating Bolton in the League One playoff final.
Oxford United has been one of the standout surprises in the early stages of this Championship campaign. Defying expectations, they have gathered 11 points from their first eight matches and currently sit in 11th place, with three wins, two draws, and three defeats.
However, Oxford heads to Portsmouth on a three-match winless streak. In their most recent game, they drew 2-2 with Luton, following a 0-0 stalemate against Burnley and a 1-2 loss to Bristol City.
Key Facts about the match
- Oxford United has yet to secure an away win in this season’s Championship, recording one draw and three defeats on the road.
- On the other hand, Portsmouth has struggled defensively, boasting the worst defense in the Championship with a staggering 19 goals conceded already.
Probable Lineups
- Portsmouth: Norris; Rafferty, Raggett, Shaughnessy, Ogilvie; Moxon, Pack; Kamara, Lang, Lane; Bishop
- Oxford United: Cumming; Long, Moore, Brown, Leigh; Brannagan, McGuane; Murphy, Rodrigues, Goodrham; Harris
Head-to-Head (H2H)
Last season, Portsmouth triumphed 2-1 at home against Oxford, while the reverse fixture in Oxford ended in a 2-2 draw.
Portsmouth vs Oxford United Prediction
It’s difficult to identify a clear favorite in this match, particularly considering Oxford’s struggles away from home. My bet is on both teams to score.
