Oxford United vs Portsmouth Predictions

Both defences vulnerable as Oxford face Pompey

Both teams have scored in five of Portsmouth’s last seven Championship matches and there should be goals for both sides when Oxford entertain John Mousinho’s team at Kassam Stadium on Saturday.

The hosts, who have nine wins and 12 defeats, sit 16th, while the visitors are 18th with eight wins and 15 losses.

Oxford have been winners in four of their last five Championship home games, while Portsmouth have lost nine of their last 11 away games in the competition.

Portsmouth beat Cardiff 2-1 on Tuesday to end a four-game winless run in the Championship. This was the fifth time in seven games that both teams had scored. Portsmouth were priced at 5/4 to win the game.

Both teams have scored in six of Oxford’s last eight Championship home games and in ten of Portsmouth’s 16 league away matches this term and this looks like being an open game.

Neither side has impressed defensively of late, which could mean chances at both ends. Oxford have conceded 45 goals this season in the Championship – an average of 1.4 goals per game – while Portsmouth have failed to keep a clean sheet in 12 of their last 14 league games.

A 3-1 home win for Oxford is an appealing correct-score option. Nine of Portsmouth’s last 11 away games in the Championship have ended in defeat, and three of Oxford’s nine wins this season have been by a two-goal margin.

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Edited by Mark Langdon