Oxford United host Portsmouth with both sides eyeing a solid start after busy summer
The Kassam Stadium hosts a finely poised encounter on the opening weekend of the new Championship season, with Oxford United welcoming Portsmouth. Both clubs finished side by side last year—Pompey just one point and one place above their hosts—highlighting how closely matched these sides are heading into another campaign.
After securing safety with a 17th-place finish last term, Oxford United enter their second straight year in the second tier focused on further consolidation. Manager Gary Rowett has been proactive over the summer, bringing in five new signings to refresh his squad and add depth across the pitch. With expectations realistic, Rowett will be hoping his new recruits can help steer the club clear of relegation worries early on.
Portsmouth also have their sights set on stability after finishing just above Oxford last season. John Mousinho’s side will be wary of ‘second season syndrome’—a common pitfall for recently promoted teams. The Pompey boss has responded by adding five players so far, including experienced midfielder John Swift on a free transfer from West Bromwich Albion. These additions are designed to inject quality and experience as they look to cement their status in the division.
With both teams undergoing similar levels of squad turnover and entering the campaign with pragmatic ambitions, Saturday’s fixture promises a closely contested affair. Supporters will be eager to see which of the new faces can make an immediate impact as Oxford and Pompey aim to kick off their seasons on a positive note.
Oxford United vs Portsmouth Odds
- Oxford – 6/4
- Draw – 21/10
- Portsmouth – 7/4
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Oxford United vs Portsmouth Betting Tips
- Under 3.5 goals – 3/10
- Josh Williams to be shown a card – 19/10
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