Team manager Mick Horton is confident Oxford Cheetahs can open their season with a victory when they take on Belle Vue Aces in a Challenge match at Oxford Stadium tonight (7.45).

New skipper Jesper B Jensen leads Cheetahs into action, and it's a meeting they will be expected to win as the Manchester-based Aces are not expected to be among the frontrunners this year after Jason Crump's move to Poole Pirates.

Horton said: "I'm very happy indeed with the look of our side for this year, with all seven of them capable of winning races.

"All of them have looked very sharp indeed in the practice sessions, but tonight it's the nitty-gritty of competitive action.

"I'm confident that we'll open the season with a victory although we know it won't be easy against the Aces especially as they include former Oxford riders Adam Skornicki, Kai Laukkanen and Ryan Fisher."

Just like Oxford, Belle Vue underwent a change in ownership in the closed season.

Making their debuts in Cheetahs colours are Polish ace Pepe Protasiewicz and his fellow countryman Adrian Miedzinkski.

And Czech Republic star Ales Dryml is also back in the fold for the first time since his life-threatening accident against Wolves at Oxford last July.

He is sure to get a big welcome from the fans.

Old favourite Steve Johnston, who had a five-year spell at Oxford, returns to the club he never wanted to leave and is raring to go.

England international Simon Stead leads Belle Vue this year.

He was part of Team GB at last year's Speedway World Cup.

He is joined by all-action Joe Screen, while Skornicki will have a point to prove to Horton.

TONIGHT'S TEAMS Oxford: Jensen, Miedzinski, Dryml, Johnston, Protasiewicz, Eriksson, Andersson.

Belle Vue: Stead, Laukennen, Skornicki, Wright, Screen, Fisher, Doolan.

CHEETAHS co-promoter Aaron Lanney, and members of the Oxford staff and supporters, will be raising money for Comic Relief during tonight's meeting.