Pompey and Oxford return to league action on Saturday following extra-time defeats for both sides in the Carabao Cup earlier in the week.
A loss at Championship outfit Cardiff for the Blues would, however, have been more palatable than United’s 4-3 reverse at home to Cheltenham.
The clubs are currently separated in the League One standings by alphabetical order, although it is perhaps wise not to take much notice of positions at this very early stage.
While Pompey saw off Rochdale 2-0 on home soil last weekend, Oxford triumphed by the same scoreline at Oldham.
Pep Clotet is the new man in charge at the Kassam Stadium following the decision of former Blues boss Michael Appleton to become Leicester’s assistant manager.
United narrowly missed out on a spot in the play-offs last term, finishing four points outside the top six.
They also saw off both Rotherham and Newcastle to reach the fifth round of the FA Cup and enjoyed a day out at Wembley in the Checkatrade Trophy final.
Pompey will be looking to continue their unbeaten record at the Kassam Stadium, having won two and drawn two of their previous four visits.
TEAM NEWS
Pompey were dealt a blow earlier in the week when it was revealed that Tareiq Holmes-Dennis is likely to miss at least four months with a knee injury.
Jackett will also be without Matt Clarke (groin) and Milan Lalkovic (ankle), while Nathan Thompson is not being considered for selection after only just returning to training following a foot problem.
Jamal Lowe will serve the second game of a three-match ban following his red card against Rochdale.
Former Blues players Simon Eastwood, Wes Thomas and Mike Williamson are expected to feature for the hosts.
They will be without the injured Charlie Raglan (ankle), while Oxford are awaiting international clearance for new signing Gino Van Kessel.
VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Read what Kenny Jackett and Luke McGee have to say about the game or register for a free iFollow account to watch the below pre-match videos.
HEAD TO HEAD
Overall
Pompey: 22 wins
Oxford: 19 wins
17 draws
At Oxford
Pompey: 7 wins
Oxford: 15 wins
8 wins
TICKETS
Pompey have sold their full allocation of tickets and none will be available to buy at the Kassam Stadium. Please do not travel without a ticket.
MATCH COVERAGE
Domestic iFollow subscribers can listen to live coverage of Saturday’s game by signing into their account and visiting the match centre.
Overseas subscribers can watch the match live by following the same instructions. Use the cog function to turn on commentary.
Click here for more information about subscribing to iFollow and click here for information on downloading the app so you can access content on your mobile device.
Fans are reminded that there was an update to the app earlier in the week to fix some bugs and some users might need to do a manual update.
We will also have match updates on Twitter and via the match centre.
There will be post-match reaction on the website, iFollow and our official YouTube channel, with highlights to follow on Sunday.
Local listeners can hear commentary on Express FM or BBC Radio Solent, while The News will also have extensive coverage.
BETTING
Oxford are 6/4 favourites with Sky Bet to claim all three points, while the Blues can be backed at 19/10.
Click here to read our full betting guide and sign-up at www.skybet.com/pompey for great offers and promotions.
ALSO IN LEAGUE ONE
AFC Wimbledon v Shrewsbury
Blackburn v Doncaster
Blackpool v MK Dons
Bristol Rovers v Peterborough
Gillingham v Bradford
Northampton v Fleetwood
Plymouth v Charlton
Rochdale v Scunthorpe
Rotherham v Southend
Walsall v Oldham
Sunday
Wigan v Bury
LAST AWAY MEETING