Pompey’s long unbeaten run at Fratton Park receives its latest test when Oxford visit the south coast this evening (7.45pm kick-off).
It will be a particularly special night under the lights for one particular supporter, with chairman Michael Eisner making his first visit since the pandemic.
He will be joined by the rest of the club’s directors, who are all remaining this side of the Atlantic to also take in Saturday’s clash with Shrewsbury.
First up, though, is a contest with a side whose squad is certainly stronger than their position of 19th in the League One standings suggests.
And Oxford secured success in their last match on the road, enjoying a 4-2 victory at Exeter to suggest things are starting to turn.
There was defeat on home soil to Peterborough on Saturday, although Karl Robinson’s men had to play almost half the match with 10 men.
They are usually close affairs when Pompey and United clash – all of the nine most recent meetings finished all square or were settled by either one goal or penalties.
Each side won 3-2 on their own patch last season, with Sean Raggett, George Hirst and Hayden Carter finding the target at Fratton Park.
TEAM NEWS
Tom Lowery (hamstring) and Joe Rafferty (stomach) are nearing a return to action and are back in full training.
Joe Morrell remained on the bench on Saturday with a back problem, while there are also doubts over Michael Jacobs (back).
Pompey will definitely be without Jayden Reid (knee) and Louis Thompson (leg), but Marlon Pack has completed his one-match ban.
Oxford striker Matty Taylor will have to serve a three-game suspension after an appeal to overturn his red card at the weekend was unsuccessful.
The visitors also have fitness concerns over Sam Baldock and Josh Murphy, but former Blues players Simon Eastwood and Steve Seddon could feature.
VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
Read the thoughts of Danny Cowley and Sean Raggett ahead of the game.
HEAD TO HEAD
Overall
Pompey: 27 wins
Oxford: 24 wins
21 draws
At Fratton Park
Pompey: 18 wins
Oxford: 4 wins
12 draws
TICKETS
Limited seating is still available to buy online here or from the Anson Road ticket office.
If you are attending the game, click here to read our matchday guide on what is happening around the ground.
OFFICIALS
Referee: Sam Purkiss
Assistants: Johnathon Bickerdike and Marc Wilson
Fourth Official: Adrian Tranter
MATCH COVERAGE
Supporters at home and abroad can watch the contest live by purchasing an iFollow match pass and visiting the match centre.
Domestic iFollow subscribers can enjoy audio commentary from Andrew Moon and Guy Whittingham as usual, but will need to purchase a match pass if they want to watch the game.
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 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
Pompey are the 5/4 favourites with VBET to secure all three points, while the visitors can be backed at 19/10.
Click here to find a comprehensive list of odds for this evening’s game. 18+. Please gamble responsibly.
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ALSO IN LEAGUE ONE
Games kick-off at 7.45pm unless stated
Tonight
Barnsley v Lincoln
Bolton v Burton
Charlton v MK Dons
Cheltenham v Morecambe
Derby v Exeter
Fleetwood v Forest Green
Peterborough v Accrington
Plymouth v Shrewsbury
Port Vale v Ipswich
Wycombe v Cambridge
Tomorrow
Sheffield Wednesday v Bristol Rovers (8pm)
LAST MEETING