Supercomputer predicts result of Portsmouth’s clash with Oxford United
Portsmouth’s second consecutive Championship campaign is set to begin with a trip to face Oxford United.
The two sides finished one point apart in the Championship last season, with Pompey one place above in 16th place.
Portsmouth will be hoping to get off to a good start, as they aim to build upon their successful return to the second division after a long absence.
John Mousinho called for focus after a positive pre-season, and his side will return to EFL action this weekend.
Oxford backed to beat Portsmouth
Pompey will enter this season with five new signings so far, including winger Adrian Segecic, but home advantage is set to swing the tie.
Opta’s supercomputer has now predicted the outcome of the game at the Kassam Stadium, but they have leaned towards Oxford picking up all three points.
| Outcome | Probability |
| Portsmouth win | 31.7% |
| Draw | 26.7% |
| Portsmouth loss | 41.6% |
They have given Oxford a 41.6 per cent chance of a victory, with Pompey backed with a lower probability of 31.7 per cent.
A draw has been backed at 26.7 per cent, as the least likely outcome, and Pompey fans may feel this prediction is somewhat surprising, given what happened between the two sides last season.
How Portsmouth fared against Oxford last season
Portsmouth’s return to the Championship came after they won League One, while Oxford won the play-offs to join them in promotion.
Mousinho made over 100 appearances for Oxford as a player, and he enjoyed his encounters with his old side last season, as his side were unbeaten across both games.
A 1-1 draw at Fratton Park in October 2024 was followed up by a 2-0 win at the Kassam in February, and a repeat result would be the perfect way for Mousinho’s team to begin the season.
Portsmouth struggled when they first stepped up to the Championship, as they failed to win their first nine games, and relegation was a genuine fear.
An injury crisis at the back did not help, but Portsmouth eventually adapted to their surroundings and raised their level, and three points to start this season would show how much they have evolved.
Sign up for the Pompey News WhatsApp channel and turn on notifications to have all the latest, breaking Portsmouth news sent straight to your phone.