IT IS rare for Chris Wilder to concede ground to anybody, so when the Oxford United boss suggests tomorrow’s opponents are “clear favourites”, it grabs your attention.

The Kassam Stadium will see the division’s two remaining unbeaten records go head-to-head.

But while the U’s have enjoyed their best start to a Football League season for a decade, it is Chesterfield – four points clear at the top – who have grabbed the headlines.

Well backed for promotion during the summer, they have continued to strengthen, bringing in the experienced Gary McSheffrey last week.

Wilder is not about to raise the white flag, but thinks his side, missing skipper Jake Wright and James Constable to injury, will begin the game as underdogs.

“I believe people will be looking at it as an away win,” he said.

“I’m not trying to be clever about that or use psychology.

“I think people will look at the start they have made, the players and strength in depth they’ve got compared to the knocks that we’ve had so they will be clear favourites.

“I don’t mind that, I have a lot of characters in my team, good players who have played in big games.”

Although it is a break from the norm for home games, where invariably teams set up looking for a point, the U’s manager thinks the squad will rise to the occasion.

He said: “You can go two ways – either you will be intimidated by the start they’ve made and the quality players they’ve got, or you can confront it, say ‘bring it on’ and look forward to the challenge.

“We will be doing the latter and will be relishing the opportunity of showing what a decent side we are.”

When it comes to upsetting the odds, United have a rich recent history to fall back on, including memorable wins over Swindon Town.

“We have played a lot of games at home in my time here, big games, and come out on top,” Wilder said.

“Any result can happen. This is a great game for everybody at the club, gives us a chance to extend our unbeaten run and close the gap on the leaders.”