Wes Brown: Man Utd Still Need a Striker
In an interview exclusively arranged by WhichBookie, former Manchester United and England defender Wes Brown shared his thoughts on the club’s recent transfer moves and…
Oxford United FC
v Portsmouth FC 
Kassam Stadium
Championship Matchday 1 
09-08-2025 14:00
Oxford United Form
Portsmouth Form
Date: 09/08/25
Kick-off time: 15:00
Venue: Kassam Stadium
The 2025–26 Championship campaign begins with Oxford United hosting Portsmouth at the Kassam Stadium on Saturday 9th August, with kick-off scheduled for 3pm. This Oxford United vs Portsmouth preview sees two sides that narrowly avoided relegation last season now looking to establish themselves in the second tier. Gary Rowett remains at the helm for Oxford, while John Mousinho leads Portsmouth after guiding them through a turbulent previous campaign.
Oxford United vs Portsmouth team news is shaping up with notable injury concerns for both camps. Oxford United will likely be without Ole Romeny, who picked up an ankle injury during international duty with Indonesia. His absence could limit Oxford’s attacking options, placing more creative and finishing pressure on their remaining forwards.
Portsmouth are hopeful that defender Ibane Bowat will be available after a lengthy injury layoff of nearly a year. His return would provide a timely boost to the back line as Pompey look to shore up a defence that was stretched thin at times last season. No fresh injuries have been reported, and both sides are expected to line up with mostly familiar starting XIs from the latter part of the 2024–25 campaign.
Oxford United vs Portsmouth betting tips favour the away side based on recent history and statistical trends. Portsmouth scored two or more goals in each of their last two visits to the Kassam Stadium, including a 2–0 win in February. In total, Pompey have scored two goals in three of their last four matches against Oxford across all competitions.
Corner markets also lean heavily in Portsmouth’s favour. They averaged 5.67 corners per match in the Championship last season—solid output compared to Oxford, who conceded a league-high 6.65 corners per game. A bet on over 5.5 Portsmouth corners is strongly supported by these stats.
Furthermore, Portsmouth are unbeaten in their last seven encounters with Oxford, taking four points in their two league meetings last season. That consistency adds confidence to wagers backing Portsmouth on the double chance market or outright win.
Oxford United vs Portsmouth prediction suggests Portsmouth have the edge heading into this opening fixture. Their recent head-to-head superiority and a more stable pre-season under John Mousinho point towards a confident display. While Oxford will be buoyed by home support and the momentum from Rowett’s influence last season, they continue to struggle when facing Pompey.
Oxford’s defensive fragility remains a concern, having finished with one of the worst goal differences in the league. Portsmouth, meanwhile, are growing in resilience and have proven capable of grinding out results when needed. A tightly contested match is expected, but one where Portsmouth may just find the extra edge.
Match Prediction: Portsmouth to win. Bet with bet365.
Oxford United vs Portsmouth score prediction is 2-1 in favour of Portsmouth. This reflects recent trends where Pompey have consistently scored twice against Oxford. While Oxford should manage to find the net, particularly with Rowett’s tactical structure in place, their defensive vulnerabilities leave them open to conceding multiple goals.
Given the patterns from last season’s meetings and both sides’ current conditions, a 2–1 away win presents solid value and aligns with how Portsmouth typically perform at the Kassam Stadium.
Correct Score Prediction: Oxford United 1-2 Portsmouth. Bet with bet365.
Oxford United vs Portsmouth Over/Under goals prediction points towards Over 2.5 goals. Historical data supports this, with four of the last five meetings between these clubs producing two or more goals. Oxford’s leaky defence, paired with Portsmouth’s improved attacking returns, makes over 2.5 goals a strong selection.
Additionally, with both sides aiming to make a positive start to the new season, an open match is expected. Over 1.5 Portsmouth goals is another viable option, especially given their consistent scoring record at Oxford’s ground.
Over/Under Prediction: Over 2.5 Goals. Bet with bet365.
Oxford United vs Portsmouth Bet Builder tip combines three high-probability selections into one strong value play:
Yengi is likely to lead the line for Portsmouth and has shown glimpses of real finishing quality during pre-season. Against an Oxford defence that has shown weaknesses, he represents the best option for a goalscorer pick. Combining that with Portsmouth’s dominance on corners and steady head-to-head form creates a strong bet builder selection.
Bet Builder Tip: Portsmouth to win or draw (Double Chance), Over 5.5 Portsmouth corners, and Kusini Yengi to score anytime. Bet with bet365.
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Wes Brown: Man Utd Still Need a Striker
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