OXFORD United will have Portsmouth’s full respect in the Sky Bet League One play-offs, insists Kenny Jackett.
The teams could barely have been more evenly-matched this season, drawing both meetings and finding themselves level on 60 points when the campaign was halted in March.
Both sides were in good form before football was suspended, with Karl Robinson’s men claiming five successive victories and Pompey winning 13 of their last 18 matches.
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While it is anyone’s guess who will react best to the four-month break without a game, Jackett is ready for a tough test in tonight’s first leg.
The Pompey boss told The News: “They are a very good team and have quality all over the pitch.
“Karl has moulded that side into a very effective unit this year.
“Obviously we will have some focus on the opposition, but not completely because you have to play yourself.
“I recognise their strengths and where we think we can hurt them.”
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The sides drew 2-2 at the Kassam Stadium in the Leasing.com Trophy in October, with the visitors triumphing 5-4 on penalties.
One month later, Matty Taylor’s late equaliser ensured United shared the spoils in the league at Fratton Park, while the season was curtailed two weeks before the return fixture.
Both clubs were on the cusp of the top two and Jackett expects there will be little to choose between them.
He said: “I don’t think anybody towards the top would have necessarily got away from the rest before the season stopped.
“Us and Oxford are two of the more consistent sides and I would think these play-offs will be a very, very good competition.”
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