Pompey often fare better against better teams - so they might welcome the sight of Oxford United looming into view at Fratton Park this weekend.

The men from the Kassam are fifth in League One after a flying start to the season - which should at least mean they don't come south and sit back and play for a 0-0 draw.

The Blues struggle to break down over-defensive teams and perhaps it's for that reason they go into this contest with some optimism.

Jackett, whose side are struggling for consistency, and came home from Bristol Rovers last week with one point that should have been three, is expecting a high-class game.

He told the Pompey website: 'We’ve had a very good week in training and I’ve been pleased with the attitude and response of the players. Now we’re looking to transmit that into Saturday’s game, which starts a big period for us with a lot of home matches.

'Oxford have climbed the table well after some troubles last season and have progressed in the cup as well. They’re a buoyant side at the moment and I’m sure it’s going to be a cracking contest — one we’re certainly looking forward to.'

Jackett is warning his players they must start turning good spells of dominance in games into periods that are long enough to close matches out and turn defeats into draws or draws into wins.

He told the website: 'We’ve had spells in games where we’ve done good things, but it hasn’t all come together on a consistent basis. That’s the bottom line — and last week at Bristol Rovers was a prime example of that. There was a lot of quality, but we got one point when it should have been three.

'There’s been a few occasions when we’ve been in an encouraging position and haven’t got ourselves over the line, so that’s something that has to improve if we want to climb the table.

'It’s one of the differences between now and what happened last season, but it’s certainly an area where we can do better. Confidence is absolutely massive in any football team and you're looking to earn that backing from the home supporters, but you’ll only get it with good performances and results.

'We need to pick up points over a regular period, rather than just here or there, but it would be great if we could get that ‘marquee’ win and the sooner, the better.'

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