Having dispatched their opponents with something to spare in the four challenge matches, Oxford FM/JT Cheetahs begin their defence of the Sky Sports Elite League title with a double clash against Peterborough Panthers today, writes JOHN GAISFORD.

Cheetahs travelled east this morning, where the tapes go up at 11.30am, with the return at Sandy Lane tonight at 7.30pm.

The squad are full of confidence after four straight wins and promoter Vanessa Purchase is looking forward to the serious work beginning.

"It has been good for all the team to have a run-out, but they all know that this is where the serious stuff begins and are raring to go.

"The team are full of confidence and in speedway that's half the battle," she added.

Two meetings in one day is bound to take its toll and team manager Colin Meredith knows the team will be up against it. "If anything goes wrong in the morning, there is precious little time to put it right, but I am confident that the team can and will do the double," he said. Oxford have one potential cloud looming following Ales Dryml's fall last Saturday night at Workington.

Purchase added: "Ales had an operation on the shoulder in the winter and he was in considerable discomfort over the weekend, but he is hoping to ride and a final decision will be made as late as possible".

Peterborough have also been hit by an injury to Shane Parker and they are expected to use rider-replacement to cover his absence, which will also be Oxford's option if Ales is unable to ride.

Oxford: Andersen, A Dryml (or rider-replacement), L Dryml, Johnston, Adams, Appleton, Lemon.

Peterborough: Sullivan, Parker (or rider repacement), Clausen, Tesar, Protasiewicz, Stead, Bager.