Hunt warns Charlton to expect tough test from Oxford

By Matt Maltby

Oxford United defender David Hunt has warned Charlton Athletic to expect a completely different proposition when the two sides lock horns for the second time this season on Saturday.

League Two outfit Oxford travelled to the Valley in their second game of the season and left south London licking their wounds following a 4-0 mauling in the League Cup.

However, the two sides' fortunes have changed since then - Charlton are struggling in the lower reaches of the Championship while Oxford are flying high in the fourth tier of English football.

And ahead of the reunion on Saturday, Hunt believes Oxford are much more likely to cause their hosts problems this time around.

"We played them in the second week of the season in the League Cup and lost 4-0," he said.

"But they were in good form then and I think the roles have reversed and we're in better form than they are.

"What I think more is that they don't realise what they're coming up against. They're probably expecting another 4-0 win, but I think we're a totally different team to the one that lost early on the season."

As The FA Cup has proven time and time again over the years, the potential for an upset is more than possible - and Hunt believes the presence of nearly 4000 travelling Oxford supporters could provide his side with the boost they need to see off Charlton.

"I love The FA Cup, it's the one cup that I really am interested in," he added. "It's a massive incentive knowing I could step out in front of Wembley, yes, but we have to be realistic.

"The manager will make sure we know that there's no pressure on us. We're not expected to win so we've got to go out there and enjoy it.

"It'll be a great occasion. We'll probably take 3000 or 4000 fans, so it'll be a good atmosphere. As soon as that happens, that changes the whole dynamic of the game straight away."