Oxford have still to claim a victory at the start of their return to the Football League but there are reasons for fans of the U's to believe that a season of struggle is not in store.

Goals have been the problem for Chris Wilder's men but the late deadline day acquisition of striker Tom Craddock from Luton should ensure that issue is rectified.

He struck 10 goals in League Two during the 2008/09 campaign for the Hatters, as they dropped to the Blue Square Premier, and followed that up with 23 goals at the top table non-league football last term.

His arrival should take some of the pressure off star striker James Constable, who has failed to open his league account this season, and that means the Yellows should be able to turn some positive performances into points.

The goalless draws on the road at Burton and Wycombe prove the Oxford defence is looking strong with goalkeeper Ryan Clarke back on form and Harry Worley and Jake Wright striking up a good understanding at the heart of the backline.

Home games in the league haven't gone well for the U's so far this season, with one draw and one defeat, but the 6-1 Carling Cup victory over Bristol Rovers has provided fans with the belief that wins are on the way.

Chris Wilder's men only lost two games at the Kassam Stadium last term and the U's look to have quality in their squad to adjust to life in the Football League, as Burton and Torquay did in the 2009/10 campaign.

That helps make the 6/5 on offer with Stan James and Sky Bet for Oxford to beat Morecambe on Saturday very tempting with this a rare chance to back them at odds-against in a home game.

The Shrimps, like the U's, have failed to win so far this season with only two points from four games.

Both of Morecambe's away games so far, against Burton and Wycombe, have ended in defeat and the 6-0 loss at Dagenham on the road in their play-off semi-final last term is still fresh in the memory.

Oxford look like they are poised to learn from their opening encounters in this division and Morecambe's poor record in away games will provide them with a great chance to get up and running.

PICK:
Oxford to beat Morecambe at 2.10 at at Bet365