Mystery surrounds unknown Oxford United on League One return

It was always going to be a big change in expectations after relegation from the Championship; in the last two years the hope has been to simply stay up with the U’s punching above their weight in the second tier.

A return to League One would have naturally would have seen Oxford tipped for a strong season in a weaker division, be that either competing for the automatic promotion places or the play-offs.

But this is not your average season, and it has not been your average summer.

Whilst Aaron Ramsey’s first XI is pretty universally agreed upon by fans and spectators alike and is a admittedly strong team, there is a notable lack of depth.

The transfer embargo has been damaging in that regard, with three players having left the club since it hit (and potentially one or two more) with the Yellows unable to register any new names as replacements.

Oxford United face a tough task on their return to League One (Image: Oxford United)

Alongside that, new head coach and former Arsenal hero Ramsey’s abilities are almost completely untested at a competitive level.

There have been visible imprints of the 35-year-old’s style of play throughout pre-season and in the Carabao Cup defeat to Leyton Orient.

Oxford saw success with these methods in their summer friendlies with four wins from four but were counteracted by Orient who eventually made them pay with two late goals.

READ MORE: Oxford United boss Aaron Ramsey makes bold Siriki Dembele claim

READ MORE: Oxford United watch on as PFA submit challenge to EFL rules

“We are going to be asked questions this season; there’s no doubt about that,” Ramsey said after the game.

“It’s still early on in this process.

 “So, for [the players] to experience some questions today, that’s only going to put us in a better place going forward.”

Peter Kioso will play a part in the Oxford United squad this season (Image: Oxford United)

Due to the unfamiliarity that comes with Ramsey’s Oxford, pundits have tipped them to finish both in the top half and in the relegation places.

In addition, League One this season is particularly competitive.

Fellow relegated clubs Leicester City and Sheffield Wednesday both look well-equipped to bounce back whilst teams like Plymouth Argyle – despite losing striker Lorent Tolaj – and Luton Town have improved and stabilised.

READ MORE: Oxford United ‘may accept’ over £2 million Stan Mills offer

Competing at the top given the U’s circumstances will be tough, yet, relegation seems a far-fetched prospect.

The U’s first XI has some real talent for the third tier, particularly if Stan Mills and Brian De Keersmaecker remain at the club.

With the transfer embargo proving a significant obstacle and the club stating that the financial issues will not be resolved until the January window, surviving to the winter in a relatively comfortable position should be the goal.

Squad depth will be an issue to tackle week by week, but if the Yellows can get to January in a place where they can attract and convince third-tier talent to join then the second half of the season will be full steam ahead.