I think it says a lot about us that in the absence of many local sides, Sunderland see us and Portsmouth as their rivals now. They know that they're going into a battle, and we will meet them head on.
We owe them for last season. Headbutting Jack Stevens and that twatting knee slide won't be easily forgotten. But we're stronger in every way this season and won't be intimidated by anything they throw at us.
If fit I think we'll start with Moore and Thornily at the centre with Hanson right back and Long left back. Then I'd have Kane, Brannagan and McGuane in the middle. Taylor upfront and Holland on the left, and I'd gone with Whyte on the right. Every time we've played Sunderland we've been at our best when we take the game to them. I'd get in Whyte’s ear and get him believing in himself. If he can show the pace and end product of a couple of seasons ago we can pull Sunderland apart.
A draw wouldn't be the worse result, but I think that we've got enough to sneak a win. I'll go 2-1 Oxford, Whyte and Taylor.