Oxford United and Portsmouth will go head-to-head on Saturday, 9 August, as the 2025/26 Championship season gets underway.
Last season, both of these teams operated in the lower half of the second tier of English football, and they will both be hoping that they can climb the division this time around.
As part of our opening round of Championship betting tips, check out our Oxford vs Portsmouth prediction below.
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Oxford vs Portsmouth prediction: The visitors to avoid defeat
Key Stats
- Portsmouth ended last season on a five-match unbeaten run in the Championship.
- Oxford United have lost two of their last three home Championship matches.
- Both teams have scored in four of Portsmouth's last five Championship matches.
Correct score prediction: Oxford Utd 1-2 Portsmouth
Portsmouth wouldn't have wanted the 24/25 season to end given how well they ended the campaign, but fortunately for them, it appears that their form has continued through to pre-season as they have won five of their six friendlies this summer. Oxford have had a hectic pre-season and struggled on home soil at the end of last season.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Nothing to split them
- HOME: 8/5 (2.60) – 38.5%
- DRAW: 11/5 (3.20) – 31.3%
- AWAY: 7/4 (2.75) – 36.4%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
The Oxford vs Portsmouth odds indicate that we are in for an extremely tight football match on Saturday, with the bookies leaving all three results on the table. Ladbrokes have made Oxford the slight favourites, giving them a 38.5% chance of winning the match, while Portsmouth have been given a 36.4% chance of victory.
You can find all our predictions for today's games on our football betting tips page.
Most recent H2Hs: Pompey in front
Portsmouth have a formidable record in this fixture, and they are unbeaten in their last seven matches against Oxford, with three wins and four draws. The last time that Oxford United managed to beat Portsmouth was back in February 2022, when they won a five-goal thriller by three goals to two.
England Championship 15/02/25
Oxford Utd
Portsmouth
England Championship 05/10/24
Portsmouth
Oxford Utd
England League 1 02/03/24
Portsmouth
Oxford Utd
England League 1 30/01/24
Oxford Utd
Portsmouth
England League 1 18/11/23
Oxford Utd
Portsmouth
Oxford Utd preview: Injury issues to start the season
Most teams come into a new season with a clean bill of health, but Oxford United haven't been afforded that luxury. Ole Romeny has been ruled out with a knee problem, while Ciaron Brown is unavailable due to an ankle injury. Luke Harris, who has joined on loan from Fulham, is out with an ankle injury of his own.
Predicted lineup: Cumming (GK), Long, Moore, Helik, Leigh, Brannagan, De Keersmaecker, Mills, Goodrham, Phillips, Harris
England Championship 03/05/25
D
Swansea
3
Oxford Utd
3
England Championship 26/04/25
W
Sunderland
0
Oxford Utd
2
England Championship 21/04/25
D
Cardiff
1
Oxford Utd
1
England Championship 18/04/25
L
Leeds
1
Oxford Utd
0
England Championship 12/04/25
W
Sheff Wed
0
Oxford Utd
1
Portsmouth preview: A new look midfield?
Portsmouth have targeted midfielders this summer and they could line up with two brand-new players in the centre of the park on Saturday. Mark Kosznovszky has been brought in from MTK Budapest in Hungary, while John Swift has been signed on a free transfer. In terms of injuries, Harvey Blair and Colby Bishop are set to miss out.
Predicted lineup: Schmid (GK), Williams, Shaughnessy, Poole, Ogilvie, Swift, Kosznovszky, Lang, Segecic, Murphy, Waddingham
England Championship 03/05/25
D
Hull
1
Portsmouth
1
England Championship 26/04/25
D
Sheff Wed
1
Portsmouth
1
England Championship 21/04/25
W
Watford
0
Portsmouth
1
England Championship 18/04/25
W
Norwich
3
Portsmouth
5
England Championship 12/04/25
D
Derby
2
Portsmouth
2
Player to watch: Greg Leigh
Greg Leigh had an impressive season in the Championship in 2024/25, being used as both a left-back and left-winger. Leigh, who has had a more-than-solid career in the EFL, is now accustomed to this level and could therefore become even better this season. The fact that he was their joint top scorer from these positions tells its own story.