This Week's Opposition: Oxford United

A deep dive into The U's ahead of Saturday's Championship encounter at the Kassam Stadium.

Matchday number 33 rolls around for Portsmouth off the back of a big victory at home in midweek.

Up next, a trip to one of the Blues’ fellow promoted sides from League One last season; Oxford United.

MANAGER

Former Birmingham City, Derby County, Stoke City and Millwall boss Gary Rowett was appointed as the successor to Des Buckingham on the 20th of December.

The 50-year-old, who began his managerial career with Burton Albion in 2012, has made an instant impact since coming into the role, winning each of his first 3 games in charge.

He also oversaw a return of 12 points from 6 unbeaten games in January, which earned him the Championship Manager of the Month award.

ONE TO WATCH

Versatile midfielder Matt Phillips has been identified as a player to keep an eye on this weekend.

The 33-year-old has featured 20 times for The U’s across all competitions so far this season including 18 outings in the Championship, the majority of which have come since mid-November.

Phillips arrived at the Kassam Stadium from West Bromwich Albion in the summer and brings with him a wealth of experience, having recorded 142 Premier League appearances and 298 in the Championship too, across a senior playing career which began in 2008.

TOP SCORER

With 5 league goals each so far this season, Greg Leigh and Mark Harris both share the title of Oxford’s top scorer at this stage.

Greg Leigh is 30 years of age and plays at left-back for The U’s, donning the number 22 shirt - While Mark Harris is the club’s first choice centre-forward who wears number 9.

Neither of those 2 players have found the back of the net in any other competition this campaign.

CURRENT FORM

Following an excellent start to life as U’s boss, Gary Rowett now finds himself in search of a first win in 5, having drawn 3 and lost 1 of their last 4 league fixtures.

A goalless draw with Derby County on Tuesday evening followed on from a 1-0 defeat to Burnley at Turf Moor a week prior.

Oxford reside in 16th position after acquiring 38 points from 32 league fixtures - 6 places and 9 points clear of the Championship relegation zone.

Will Pompey’s travelling woes continue or can they pick up a first away win since October?

Join Jake Smith, Henry Deacon, Kirsty Roxanne and James Wilson when Pompey Live returns this Saturday (February 15th) morning from 11:30 with full coverage of Oxford United vs Portsmouth LIVE from the Kassam Stadium.

Kick-off: 12:30pm!