It's been a long time since Oxford United were underdogs in a league match at home.

But that’s the case tomorrow, when ex-Brighton manager Micky Adams brings his in-form Port Vale side to the Kassam Stadium.

Vale have won seven out of nine this season, drawing one of the other two, and look a class act.

So although Oxford themselves have had a very solid week, with two useful away draws at Crewe and Cheltenham, Vale will rightly be favourites to take all three points.

The U’s have lost two at home already this season, though both results could easily have gone the other way.

But they will be desperate to avoid a third home setback.

The Valiants’ record on their travels is perfection itself: 1-0 at Bury, 3-1 at Southend, 2-0 at Bradford and 3-0 at Macclesfield.

You can also throw in a superb 3-1 win at QPR, who top the Championship, in the Carling Cup, though they did come unstuck in a big way in the next round, going down 6-0 at Premier League Fulham.

“Port Vale’s away record is fantastic,” said United manager Chris Wilder.

“Under their manager, they always give it a go, and never give up. Roberts is a very talented player in midfield but they’ve got a lot of good players.”

One of those that is well known to Oxford United fans is striker Justin Richards.

Signed in the summer from Cheltenham Town, for whom he struck 15 goals last season, he is a strong but also intelligent centre forward who has brought out the best in his striking partner Marc Richards.

Justin scored just once in his 15 appearances for Oxford in 2008, yet nevertheless showed what a good player he is.

Marc got 23 goals last season and this term the pair have developed a fine understanding. Adams said: “The partnership is still a work in progress, but they have certainly started well together.

“Marc led the line fantastically well last season, not just with his 20-plus goals but also with his presence up front.

“We were very reliant on him though, so I wanted to bring in someone to share the work load.

“Justin got goals in a struggling Cheltenham side last season and I felt he could do a job for us, and hopefully he’ll prove me correct.

Port Vale’s record on the road last season was better than they managed at Vale Park.

In what was Adams’ first season in charge of the club, 36 away points were gathered while 32 came at home.

Adams said: “It’s sometimes easier to play away because the onus is on the home side to attack and entertain.”