EFL League One 2019/20: Portsmouth vs Oxford United – tactical analysis

Last Saturday’s EFL League One matchday saw play-off chasing Oxford United draw 1-1 at Fratton Park with Portsmouth. Karl Robinson’s Oxford would have been hoping for all three points heading into the tie, however, were forced to settle for a point against Kenny Jackett’s resilient Pompey. The stalemate left Oxford in fifth place and the home side in 15^th.

This tactical analysis will dissect the key tactics of both sides and use analysis to highlight how those set-ups influenced the eventual outcome of the clash.

Lineups

Jackett stuck with his trusted 4-2-3-1 formation for the game with Oxford, having deviated from the set-up on very few occasions this season. Although favouring the 4-2-3-1, the Englishman has also deployed a 4-4-2 sporadically. In terms of personnel changes, Jackett made no alterations to his side’s starting lineup following their 2-2 away draw to Bristol Rovers last time out.

United deployed a 4-3-1-2 for their trip to Fratton Park, a system which Robinson has rarely used whilst at the helm at the Kassam Stadium. Robinson’s most used formation so far this term has been a 4-3-3, having also used a 4-2-3-1 and a 4-5-1 on a couple of occasions. Aside from the change in structure, Oxford also made three changes to their starting lineup. Elliott Moore, Shandon Baptiste and Robert Hall were replaced by John Mousinho, Mark Sykes and Jamie Mackie – presumably to facilitate the change in tactical shape.