Portsmouth are still searching for their first EFL Championship win of the season and desperately need a win against Oxford United after being spanked 6-1 by Stoke in midweek.
Pompey's return to the second tier after a 12-year absence got off to a flying start as they claimed a thrilling 3-3 draw on the road at title favourites Leeds, with a goals bet landing for our man Gabriel.
But they've only managed to collect three more points since then and find themselves sitting second bottom after that horror loss in Stoke made it four defeats and a draw in their last five outings.
Oxford spent even longer outside the Championship than Portsmouth did, with their last outing in the second tier coming way back in season 1998/99.
Des Buckingham's side have made a better fist of it since promotion though and sit in midtable after collecting 11 points from their first eight games.
The Us came from 2-0 down to salvage a point at Luton in midweek so they will head to Portsmouth confident of getting another good result.
How the bookies view it: Pompey backed to break duck
Despite Oxford United being in better form, Betano's make them 2/1 outsiders at Fratton Park. Portsmouth are 6/5 to get that first league win and the draw pays 23/10.
Recent head to head: Daggers drawn
This fixture has produced heaps of draws in recent years, with six of the last 12 ending level. One of those stalemates came in Oxford last season but it was Portsmouth who edged it at Fratton Park, winning 2-1.
Players to watch: Ready to hit the Mark again
Mark Harris started the season on fire for Oxford, netting four times in his first five games. He has drawn a blank in his last four for the Us, which suggests a goal may be due, and Bet365 price him at 5/2 to get back on track.
Portsmouth's strikers have struggled for goals but Christian Saydee bagged a double in the draw with Middlesbrough. He started on the bench in midweek but could return here and is 2/1 at Betano for another goal.
Probable line-ups
Pompey boss John Mousinho will be tempted to make a few changes after that terrible result in midweek. He doesn't have a lot of options though, with Conor Shaughnessy joining an injury list that already includes Ibane Bowat, Callum Lang, Kusini Yengi and Colby Bishop.
Oxford United are still without Cameron Brannagan, Przemysław Płacheta, Joe Bennett and Max Woltman while Matt Phillips is a doubt.
Portsmouth: Norris, Swanson, Williams, McIntyre, Ogilvie, Pack, Potts, Silvera, Lane, O'Mahony, Saydee.
Oxford United: Cumming, Brown, Moore, Nelson, Kioso, Vaulks, El Mizouni, Edwards, Goodrham, Rodrigues, Harris.
Anything else catch the eye?
We should see goals in this one after Portsmouth's injury-hit defence shipped six in Stoke. Over 2.5 strikes is a decent 10/11 at Bet365 and adding BTTS boosts the odds to 6/5. There could also be some value in over 1.5 Oxford United strikes at 13/8 with the same firm.
Pompey will be fired up to avenge that heavy defeat and it could lead to a few cards. Over 52.5 booking points pays 11/8 at Betfred while Oxford stopper Peter Kioso is 7/4 at Bet365 for a fourth card this term.
This England Championship match between Portsmouth and Oxford United will be played on Oct 5, 2024 and kick off at 12:30. Check below for our tipsters best Portsmouth vs Oxford United prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
