Since then, the Blues have said goodbye to three of the players who started the second-leg game at the Kassam Stadium – Christian Burgess, Steve Seddon and Cameron McGeehan.
Meanwhile, the likes of Alex Bass, James Bolton, Bryn Morris and Ellis Harrison – who also started the last meeting – find themselves on the fringes of the first team at this moment in time. Although, Harrison did, of course, start the last game against Crewe.
Despite the obvious turnaround in team selection, though, we’re predicting a familiar look to the Pompey starting XI tonight.
Lee Brown and Callum Johnson are expected to return to the full-back roles, while a Ryan Williams return is anticipated following a recent hip complaint.
So here’s how we feel the Blues will line-up tonight in a 4-4-2 formation – and why…
1. Craig MacGillivray (keeper)
Given manager Kenny Jackett's well-known ruthless streak, the Scot might have feared the chop after his howler at Plymouth. However. he kept his place for the game against Crewe and once again proved his importance with excellent early save to deny Oliver Finney when the game was goalless. Photo: PinPeP
2. Callum Johnson (Right-back)
Was a surprise absence from the starting XI against Crewe as Haji Mnoga was given a chance to prove his worth. The former Accrington man, however, was brought on at half-time to help shore things up at the back, despite a 2-0 lead. Kenny Jackett will want his strongest possible team out against Oxford - and Johnson falls into that category. Photo: Joe Pepler
3. Jack Whatmough (centre-back)
Whatmough is without doubt Pompey's best defender. First name on the team-sheet. Enough said! Photo: Joe Pepler
4. Sean Raggett (centre-back)
Has been getting his fair share of flak this season. Definitely produces the odd heart-in-your-mouth moment during games but is a reliable presence in the back line and the type of all-out-defender all teams crave. Meanwhile, we haven't seen enough from Rasmus Nicolaisen from his appearances to suggest Raggett should be fearful of his position. Photo: Graham Hunt