Credit: Imago

Henry Green

Sat 9 August 2025 11:30, UK

Portsmouth are set to face off against Gary Rowett’s Oxford United in their first game of the 2025/26 Championship campaign.

The Blues look set to be without Colby Bishop after the striker picked up an injury during preseason, which could open the door for Thomas Waddingham to start at the Kassam Stadium on 9 August.

There looks to be ample opportunity for new signings to make their debut, with John Swift and Luke Le Roux possibly part of a new-look midfield.

John Mousinho will be confident going into the game against Oxford United, and Pompey could take confidence from some of Rowett’s past comments about the Fratton Park outfit.

Portsmouth showed more ‘fight’ than Oxford last season

Mousinho has become known for his side’s intricate style of play, but also their ability to switch things up against different opposition.

Last season’s 2-0 win against the O’s was a prime example of that as the Blues showed their quality from set pieces.

Following the defeat, Oxford manager Rowett described how Pompey “created a game of seconds and showed a little bit of fight.”

• Rowett said that his side failed to take advantage of getting into some “really good positions” against the Blues
• While Millwall manager in 2021, Rowett said: “I think of them as a Championship team because of the size of the club. They have some good players,” ahead of an EFL Cup tie against Pompey

He added how a first-half medical emergency disrupted the game.

“It becomes a bit of a fractured first half and difficult to create any rhythm or continuity,” Rowett said.

His comments, however, reflect more on how Pompey made it difficult for the O’s.

The Blues have developed a fine record throughout the years against Oxford United, losing just one of their last ten.

• Read more: John Mousinho already faces an obvious Mark Kosznovsky headache at Portsmouth

Portsmouth supporters can expect another win over Oxford

Rowett is usually a manager who keeps his cards close to his chest, but after Oxford’s defeat to the Blues in February, he couldn’t help but let his inner thoughts slip out.

Now that Mousinho knows what his view of the game is, the Blues boss will no doubt change his approach on Saturday.

Given Mousinho’s adaptability in comparison to Rowett, Pompey supporters can expect to bring home the bragging rights against the O’s.

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.