Portsmouth – Oxford United
Portsmouth hosts Oxford United in a last match from the 39th round of the English League One. Let’s examine this clash at the Fratton Park and see what’s going on here.
Portsmouth are 8th in the League One standings at the moment, trying to keep alive their chances of progressing to the Championship. So far they have 52 points and a record of 16 wins, 4 draws and 17 defeats. Portsmouth are currently 5 points behind the 6th Plymouth Argyle and the playoff zone, so they need to be really good in the remaining games of the season. Portsmouth still have a chance to finish among the best 6 in the league, but they need to be as consistent as they can until the end of the campaign.
In their last five matches Portsmouth are showing exactly this – they are unbeaten, winning four of their last five games and losing points only during the 1-1 draw with Fleetwood Town away from home.
If Portsmouth continue to play like this, they’d have a realistic chance to reach their goal and fight for promotion.
Oxford United on the other hand are 16th in the League One, don’t having any ambitions for promotion at the moment. Oxford have 45 points won so far and a record of 12 wins, 9 draws and 15 defeats. In their last five games Oxford United won once, but also suffered three defeats and made one draw. In their last game they enjoyed a 2-1 win against Peterborough United.
Based on quality and current form, Portsmouth are the clear favourites against Oxford United. Kenny Jackett’s boys are feeling inspired at the moment, winning a game after game. They know that the promotion is a realistic goal, so they are chasing it. Can they add one more win to their record?