Oxford United vs Portsmouth preview - Kemar Roofe could return for Oxford after shoulder problem

Posted Friday, September 18, 2015 by PA

Oxford could be boosted by the return of striker Kemar Roofe and defender Jonny Mullins when they host unbeaten Portsmouth.

Top-scorer Roofe (shoulder) and Mullins (ankle) returned to training on Thursday and their progress will be closely monitored, with boss Michael Appleton hoping the duo will come through without any problems.

AJ George could be involved from the bench again after making his debut late on in last week's defeat at Northampton, with Appleton stating how impressed he was by the teenager's potential.

The U's were beaten 1-0 by 10-man Town, with Danny Hylton missing a penalty and Appleton ruing a lack of quality, so he will be hoping Roofe's return and a week of training can boost his side.

Portsmouth striker Jayden Stockley is expected to return to contention after missing last week's home win against Barnet after becoming a parent for the first time.

Stockley may have to settle for a place on the bench along with Gareth Evans after teenager Conor Chaplin and Adam McGurk were both on target last week in their first league starts of the season.

Boss Paul Cook, who has no major new injury worries, must decide whether to start with winger Gary Roberts, who he replaced with Adam Webster at half-time last week.

Promotion-chasing Pompey, third in the table, are bidding to extend their unbeaten league run this season to seven matches.