WITH no new injury concerns Oxford United could name an unchanged starting line-up for the first time this season.

Head coach Michael Appleton praised the side who played well in a 1-0 defeat at Morecambe on Tuesday night.

With only long-term injured pair Ryan Clarke and Andy Whing in the treatment room, there is a strong chance the XI will be the same against Portsmouth this afternoon.

Appleton, who managed Pompey from 2011-12 said: “The lads did themselves the power of good.

“It’s up to myself and the staff to see if there’s anything Portsmouth can bring to the table that would worry me with the players we’ve got.

“If there isn’t, then at times performances can pick themselves.”

Pompey manager Andy Awford has made a minimum of four changes per game.

His large squad is boosted by the return of Adam Webster from suspension.

But forward Patrick Agyemang (hamstring), midfielder Wes Fogden (knee), defender Danny East (groin) and former U’s striker Tom Craddock (knee) are out.

TODAY’S SQUADS

Oxford Utd: from G Long, Riley, Mullins, Wright, Newey, Collins, Ruffels, Rose, Hylton, Brown, Morris, Jakubiak, O’Dowda, Potter, Meades, Raynes, S Long, Hunt, Crocombe.

Portsmouth: from Jones, Devera, Chorley, Robinson, Shorey, Hollands, Dunne, Wallace, Westcarr, Holmes, Taylor, Atangana, Whatmaugh, Butler, Awford, Webster, Barcham, Storey, Wynter, Brezovan.

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