Oxford United vs Portsmouth Prediction, Lineups & Betting Tips | 09 Aug 2025
The curtain rises on the 2025–26 EFL Championship as Oxford United, managed by Gary Rowett, take on Portsmouth, led by John Mousinho, this Saturday, 9 August 2025, at 17:00 BST. Oxford managed 17th place last season under Rowett's tutelage, whereas Portsmouth returned to the second tier after League One promotion and finished 16th. Both teams have the momentum of squad changes behind them and will seek to build early-season momentum. Having witnessed matches of a tight nature over the years, this one promises to be a competitive opener, filled with tactical nuance and goal threats from either end.
Claim Welcome Bonus🟡 Oxford United
Gary Rowett stabilized Oxford's return to the Championship last season, securing safety after being appointed in December. The pre-season saw arrivals in the form of Brodie Spencer, Brian De Keersmaecker, Nik Prelec, and Will Lankshear to increase squad depth. Oxford typically set up in a compact 4‑2‑3‑1 under Rowett, with defense being the priority and counter-attacks deemed the best avenue for goal. Mark Harris remains Oxford's best attacking threat, having been top scorer last season with six Championship goals. Alongside laying down the first marker for form and cohesion, it is worth noting the familiarity Oxford has with their home surroundings; this might prove prevailingly important for the opening.
Oxford United Linuep
🔁 Predicted Lineup: Jamie Cumming; Sam Long, Elliott Moore, Michal Helik, Greg Leigh, Brian De Keersmaecker, Cameron Brannagan, Siriki Dembele, Matt Phillips, Tyler Goodrham, Mark Harris.
🚑 Injuries/Suspension: Brodie Spencer – thigh injury (doubtful), Ole Romeny – broken foot (doubtful), Ciaron Brown – unavailable
👨✈️ Head Coach: Gary Rowett
🔵 Portsmouth FC
John Mousinho continues at the helm for Portsmouth as they begin their second-tier return, having secured survival last season in 16th place . Squad enhancements include the likes of Mark Kosznovszky, John Swift, Luke Le Roux, Adrian Segecic, and Florian Bianchini . Thomas Waddingham is likely to lead the line in an attacking role since top scorer Colby Bishop remains sidelined with a groin injury. Mousinho favors a 4-2-3-1 setup focused on width and pivoting in midfield. With time adjustments are set, but then again, Portsmouth through their momentum and depth from promotion might simply become an effective measure against an Oxford side with plenty of new faces coming through.
Portsmouth FC Lineup
🔁 Predicted Lineup: Schmid; Williams, Poole, Shaughnessy, Ogilvie; Swift, Dozzell; Lang, Segecic, Murphy; Waddingham
🚑 Injuries/Suspension: Colby Bishop – groin injury
👨✈️ Head Coach: John Mousinho
More Football Predictions
📊 Oxford United vs Portsmouth Head-to-Head Record
Out of 25 League matchups, Oxford have won 5, Portsmouth 8, and 12 ended in draws.
📈 Oxford United vs Portsmouth Betting Tips and Odds
- Almost half (48 %) of their meetings ended in draws.
- 56 % of their past 25 clashes had fewer than 3 goals.
- In Portsmouth’s home games against Oxford, Both Teams To Score occurred in 81 % of matches (13/16).
- Their league meetings generally average about 2.6 goals per match.
- Oxford concede on average 1.3 goals per game to Portsmouth, while scoring 1.3 themselves.
- Portsmouth score 1.6 goals on average at home against Oxford, conceding 1.2.
🧩 Oxford United vs Portsmouth Match Prediction
Expect a tactical stalemate with goals—but under 2.5 total. My three best betting tips:
Both Teams to Score (BTTS) @ 1.79 odds on 1xbet — 81% of Portsmouth home games vs Oxford featured both teams scoring (Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐)
Under 2.5 Goals @ 1.75 odds on Betway – 56% of their direct recent matches stayed under 3 goals. (Rating: ⭐⭐⭐)
Draw FT @ 3.28 odds on Bet365 – Nearly half of all head-to-heads have ended level—suggesting a deadlock is plausible. (Rating: ⭐⭐)
Other predictions
