Portsmouth out to do something they’ve never previously managed this weekend
Portsmouth return to Championship action this weekend with what many believe is a winnable fixture away at Oxford United.
After keeping Pompey in the second tier last season, John Mousinho’s men are predicted to finish mid-table in the Championship this campaign.
Up first is that showdown with Oxford at the Kassam Stadium, which should be an evenly matched contest on the face of it.
However, a deeper look at the statistics ahead of the game show why Pompey must do something for the first time ever if they are to come away with all three points.
Portsmouth have terrible opening day record against Oxford
Portsmouth have been at the centre of some opening-day epics in recent times, not least last season’s 3-3 draw with Leeds United at Elland Road.
There was also the 3-3 away at Sheffield Wednesday to begin the 2022-23 League One season, so goals can often be expected.
However, as per Opta, Portsmouth have lost all three previous encounters with Oxford on the opening weekend of a Football League campaign.
Not only that, Oxford have scored three-plus goals on each occasion, in 1987, 1993 and most recently in 2013.
- Portsmouth have met Oxford three times on the opening weekend of a season
- Oxford have won all three previous such encounters, scoring at least three times in each
- Most recent first-game encounter was in 2013 – a 4-1 win for Oxford
That is a terrible return that Mousinho will eager to put right this weekend, knowing his side will be backed by a sold-out away end.
READ MORE: Oxford United vs Portsmouth preview: Team news, lineup, prediction
Portsmouth have enjoyed positive pre-season campaign
Portsmouth played seven pre-season fixtures and won six of those, with the other ending as a draw.
While the quality of opposition was questionable for most of those, the 1-0 win over Dutch top-flight side PEC Zwolle last weekend was hugely encouraging.
Pompey have also kept a clean sheet in each game, so there is every chance of going to the Kassam Stadium on Saturday and coming back with all three points.
There is a first for everything, not least ending this poor first-game record against Oxford.
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