Oxford Cheetahs face the acid test when they take on reigning champions Peterborough in their opening Sky Sports Elite League clash at Oxford Stadium tonight (7.30).

Loyalties will be split for owner Colin Horton and general manager Trevor Swales, as they are involved in both clubs.

But Swales has already said when the teams meet he will be backing the Panthers as he is their team manager.

Cheetahs, who have new sponsors in M4 Van Rental, will be expected to improve on their defeat against lowly-rated Belle Vue in a challenge match last Friday, but this Peterborough side is something different.

Oxford promoter Aaron Lanney said: "There's no tougher meeting than coming up against the league champions.

"We need to settle down early and get our gating spot-on from the start, we certainly don't want to go behind as early as we did against Belle Vue last week."

Panthers have already put some silverware in the cabinet this season by beating Coventry in the Elite Shield.

And, after a heavy defeat at Reading on Monday, they bounced back to beat them at home on Tuesday.

It's no surprise that the man leading their charge this season is Hans Andersen.

He scored 17 and paid 15 points in those two meetings, and having already had two practice sessions at Sandy Lane this year, should add to his impressive record.

Cheetahs fans were none too impressed last week, and they will be expecting improved performances.

Skipper Jesper B Jensen, who has his testimonial at Peterborough on Sunday, reserves Eric Andersson and Freddie Eriksson will all come under the spotlight.

Ales Dryml, with a win under his belt, should continue his improvement as he looks forward to facing his brother Lukas.

And Pepe Protasiewicz, who enjoyed a 16-point haul on his debut here last week, should be in confident mood.

Panthers have a similar look to last season with Niels-Kristian Iversen, who rode for Oxford Silver Machine, in their line-up.

They also include Danny King, who scored 13 points for Great Britain against Denmark at Oxford on Sunday.

Oxford Cheetahs: Jensen, Miedzinski, A Dryml, Johnston, Protasiewicz, Eriksson, Andersson Peterborough Panthers: Iversen, King, Andersen, L Dryml, Bjerre, Swiderski, Hall.