Oxford United vs Portsmouth Predictions

• Pompey had the second worst away record in the Championship last season.
• Oxford won 11 of their 23 home games.
• Five of Oxford’s last six home wins were accompanied by clean sheets.

Oxford can edge out poor travellers Pompey

Oxford United and Portsmouth are both looking to avoid ‘second season syndrome’ going into the new campaign ahead of Saturday’s opening round of fixtures.

Pompey ended up one place and one point above Oxford in the standings last term but the hosts had the better season overall. Oxford only spent one week in the relegation spots, whereas Portsmouth needed a big finish to pull clear of danger as they looked in real trouble of a return to the third tier for large periods.

Neither side has made massive changes to their squads over the summer so they should be closely matched again and with home advantage Oxford look capable of taking the spoils.

Portsmouth were abysmal travellers for much of last season. They ended up with the second worst road record in the Championship – picking up just 14 points away and losing 15 of their 23 trips – whereas the U’s did their best work at home with 38 of their 53 points coming at the Kassam Stadium.

A 2-0 win for Oxford is the correct score prediction as their home wins were generally accompanied by clean sheets towards the end of last season, keeping shut-outs in five of their last six home victories.

Oxford were lacking a regular scorer last term and they have tried to address that by signing two young strikers on loan over the summer. As an outside option for an anytime effort, defender Greg Leigh looks a contender as he weighed in with six goals for Oxford last season and he provides an aerial threat from set pieces.