Match Preview: Oxford United vs Portsmouth, Championship Game Week One

Explore Ladbrokes’ detailed match preview for Oxford United vs Portsmouth in the Championship in game week one. Stats, odds, predictions, and lineups for the 15:00 BST kick off. The teams face off in a competitive Championship opener at The Kassam Stadium, with Oxford’s home advantage meeting Portsmouth’s attacking flair.

• Fixture: Oxford United vs Portsmouth

• Date: Saturday, 09 August 2025

• Kick-off: 15:00 BST

• Venue: The Kassam Stadium

Oxford United will rely on home resilience to challenge a Portsmouth side that won the League One title just two years ago. Oxford’s low-scoring pre-season (under 2.5 goals in all five games) contrasts with Portsmouth’s prolific form (11 goals in four games). Portsmouth’s strong away record (unbeaten in their last six away games in 2024/25) suggests they’ll exploit defensive lapses, but Oxford’s home crowd could level the playing field. Expect a tight, tactical battle ending in a draw.

Match Prediction: Oxford United 1-1 Portsmouth

Oxford’s 2024/25 season was built on a strong home record, but their pre-season was inconsistent (one win in five, all under 2.5 goals). New signings add a new threat, and The Kassam Stadium’s atmosphere will boost their bid to hold firm against Portsmouth’s attack.

Recent Championship Results (2024/25):

• (D) 3-3 at Swansea City (03 May 2025)

• (W) 2-0 vs Sunderland (26 Apr 2025)

• (D) 1-1 at Cardiff City (21 Apr 2025)

• (L) 0-1 vs Leeds United (18 Apr 2025)

• (W) 1-0 at Sheffield Wednesday (12 Apr 2025)

Portsmouth’s strong pre-season (three wins in four, scoring 11 goals) highlight their attacking prowess. Their ability to pick up points away (e.g., 5-3 at Norwich) makes them dangerous, but they must adapt to Oxford’s high press to secure a result in this opener.

Recent Championship Results (2024/25):

• (D) 1-1 vs Hull City (03 May 2025)

• (D) 1-1 at Sheffield Wednesday (26 Apr 2025)

• (W) 1-0 vs Watford (21 Apr 2025)

• (W) 5-3 at Norwich City (18 Apr 2025)

• (D) 2-2 vs Derby County (12 Apr 2025)

Portsmouth hold a slight edge, with two wins and two draws in the last five meetings, including a 2-0 victory at Oxford in February 2025. Oxford’s home resilience (three draws in five) suggests they can compete, making this a closely contested fixture.

Recent Results:

• Oxford United 0-2 Portsmouth (15 Feb 2025)

• Portsmouth 1-1 Oxford United (05 Oct 2024)

• Portsmouth 2-1 Oxford United (02 Mar 2024)

• Oxford United 2-2 Portsmouth (30 Jan 2024)

• Oxford United 1-1 Portsmouth (18 Apr 2023)

• Brodie Spencer (Thigh injury) - Doubtful

• Ole Romeny (Broken foot) - Doubtful

• Ibane Bowat (Patellar tendon rupture) - Doubtful

• Jacob Farrell (Knee surgery) - Out

Lineup (4-2-3-1): Cumming; Long, Moore, Helik, Leigh; Keersmaeker, Brannagan; Phillips, Mills, Dembele; Bradshaw

Oxford’s lineup balances defensive solidity with attacking flair, focusing on a high press to force errors. Tom Bradshaw and Stanley Mills will target gaps in Portsmouth’s defence, supported by Cameron Brannagan’s midfield control.

Lineup (4-2-3-1): Schmid; Williams, Poole, Shaughnessy, Ogilvie; Pack, Dozzell; Segecic, Murphy, Lang; Bishop

Portsmouth’s setup emphasises midfield control and quick transitions, using wingers to stretch play. Colby Bishop’s focal point role will be key to unlocking Oxford’s defence.

• Cameron Brannagan (Oxford United) vs Marlon Pack (Portsmouth): This midfield duel could dictate the game’s tempo, with Brannagan’s energy facing Pack’s experience.

• Tom Bradshaw (Oxford United) vs Colby Bishop (Portsmouth): The battle between these forwards will be crucial for goal-scoring chances.

• Stanley Mills (Oxford United): The former Everton winger aims to make an impact after a quiet 2024/25, targeting Portsmouth’s backline.

• Colby Bishop (Portsmouth): Pompey’s key striker, with consistent goals in recent seasons, will look to kick off with a bang.

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Odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.