Pompey will look to secure top spot in Southern Group B of the Leasing.com Trophy when they travel to Oxford this evening.
With qualification already confirmed, Kenny Jackett’s side know that a win – or picking up a penalty shoot-out bonus point – would guarantee a home tie in the last 32.
Anything less and they would have to wait for the outcome of next month’s clash between United and Crawley to determine their final position.
Tonight’s hosts have only played one game in the competition, beating Norwich’s under-21 side in September.
They are also still in the Carabao Cup, with the recent 4-0 thrashing of Premier League outfit West Ham setting up a fourth round tie with Sunderland at the Kassam Stadium.
Karl Robinson’s troops are currently sitting ninth in the League One standings, with 16 points collected from 12 fixtures.
And they are currently on a six-match unbeaten run in all competitions, with their latest outing a 2-2 draw at Accrington.
Oxford triumphed 2-1 when the sides met at the Kassam Stadium last season, gaining revenge for the 4-1 thrashing suffered on the south coast a few months earlier.
TEAM NEWS
Kenny Jackett has said he will field a young side for tonight’s match, with the likes of Josh Flint, Leon Maloney, Joe Hancott and Harvey Rew all in contention.
Ronan Curtis (hamstring) and John Marquis (toe) are both out, joining Bryn Morris (groin) and Jack Whatmough (knee) on the sidelines.
Oxford are likely to have more experience in their team, although Kevin Berkoe (hip), Anthony Forde (groin), Jamie Hanson (hamstring), Malachi Napa (leg) and Ben Woodburn (foot) are all injured.
VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Read the thoughts of Kenny Jackett and Josh Flint or register for a free iFollow account to watch the below videos.
HEAD TO HEAD
Overall
Pompey: 25 wins
Oxford: 22 wins
17 draws
At Oxford
Pompey: 8 wins
Oxford: 18 wins
8 draws
TICKETS
Pompey fans can buy tickets at the Kassam Stadium – cash only – this evening. Click here for more details.
OFFICIALS
Referee: Will Finnie
Assistants: Anthony Da Costa and Mike Desborough
Fourth Official: Leigh Crowhurst
MATCH COVERAGE
Supporters in the UK and Ireland can watch the action live, with commentary, replays and graphics. It is priced £10 for a match pass.
Domestic subscribers will, as usual, be able to listen to listen to live commentary from Andy Moon and Guy Whittingham by signing into their account and visiting the match centre from 7pm.
Please note that domestic subscribers will still need to purchase a match pass in order to watch the game live.
Overseas subscribers and match pass holders can also watch the action, with commentary starting from around 10 minutes before kick-off.
Click here for more information about using iFollow on a matchday and click here for information on downloading the app, so you can access content on your mobile device.
We will have updates throughout the game on Twitter and the match centre. You can also see behind-the-scenes content on our Instagram story.
There will be post-match reaction on the website, iFollow and our official YouTube channel, with highlights to follow on Wednesday.
Local listeners can hear commentary by tuning in to either Express FM or BBC Radio Solent.
BETTING
Oxford are the 8/13 favourites with Sky Bet to secure all three points, while Pompey can be backed at 7/2.
Click here to read our full betting guide and visit www.skybet.com/pompey to earn money for the club when you place a bet. Please gamble responsibly.
ALSO IN LEASING.COM TROPHY
Games kick-off at 7.45pm unless stated
Forest Green v Coventry (7pm)
Rotherham v Doncaster (7pm)
AFC Wimbledon v Leyton Orient (7.30pm)
Cambridge v Northampton (7.30pm)
Colchester v Tottenham U21 (7.30pm)
Cheltenham v West Ham U21
Ipswich v Gillingham
Mansfield v Crewe
Newport v Exeter
Oldham v Accrington
Shrewsbury v Newcastle U21
Sunderland v Grimsby
Swindon v Plymouth
Tranmere v Aston Villa U21
Wycombe v Stevenage
LAST MEETING