Marcus Browne starts: The predicted Oxford United XI to play Portsmouth tonight

Eyeing up a fourth successive victory in the league, Oxford United travel to Portsmouth tonight. 

The U’s sit in fourth spot and are four points from Wigan Athletic in second, recently bridging themselves a comfortable six-point gap from Plymouth Argyle just outside the play-off positions.

Karl Robinson’s side have been defeated in the League One play-offs in the previous two campaigns, with Oxford hoping that it could be third time lucky. 

Knowing that they will be in for a big test tonight, Portsmouth remain in the hunt for a top-six finish in what remains of this season. 

Pompey have picked up 10 points from their last four games, and come fresh off the back of a 3-3 draw on Saturday, a game they found themselves three goals behind in. 

With this clash proving an important one for both clubs, we take a look at how the visitors could line up tonight…

Keeping two clean sheets in his last three games, Jack Stevens looks in line to make his 23rd appearance of this League One season.

Being deployed in a slightly deeper role than he has grown accustomed to, Ryan Williams could start at right-back once more, with the winger starting four of Oxford’s last five league games.

Primarily operating as a right-back, Sam Long has stepped in at centre-back when Robinson has opted to go for a three-at-the-back formation, however, the absence of Elliott Moore means that the 27-year-old could be tasked to play in central defence with a solid back four.

He is likely to be partnered by Luke McNally, with the young defender enjoying an excellent season thus far.

Herbie Kane could be tasked operating in a holding midfield role for the U’s, with the Barnsley loanee, proving to be an excellent addition.

Perhaps operating in a 4-4-2 diamond