We are giving Oxford United fans the chance to share their views on the club every Thursday this season. First up is U’s supporter Harry Symonds – and he has high expectations...

There is no denying that last season ended in disappointment for Oxford United, having looked so good and even flirted with automatic promotion at one point.

The U’s were the joint highest scorers in the division, so for me it is clear what needs to be addressed to ensure this season is not a repeat of the last one.

Karl Robinson and his team usually get it right when signing defenders, which makes me really excited by the arrival of Stuart Findlay.

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I see him as a big upgrade on Luke McNally, but I also think a versatile defender is needed before the window closes as we are lacking depth.

The signing of Josh Murphy will whet the appetite of most Oxford fans – a front three of Marcus Browne, Matty Taylor and Murphy could be one of the best in the league.

I am not going to beat around the bush with my expectations this season; the lads need to reach the play-off final – at least.

Robinson’s men are now a well-established Sky Bet League One side and three consecutive top-eight finishes have shown we are now one of the better teams in the division.

After Derby County, the fixtures set themselves up nicely to build some momentum before what looks to be a decisive October with games against Charlton Athletic, Wycombe Wanderers, Peterborough United, Portsmouth and Bolton Wanderers.

I am not naive enough to believe the season is won and lost in October, but there is no denying a month like that can have a big effect on the outcome.

I would like to finish with a prediction for Saturday’s opener at Pride Park.

READ MORE: Oxford United set to take huge away following to Derby

I am not quite sure what to make of Derby – when you consider their circumstances last season, Wayne Rooney worked wonders with the players at his disposal and many thought he would rebuild the club under the new ownership.

However, having departed for America, the baton has been passed onto Rooney’s assistant and former Premier League player Liam Rosenior.

Having lost their star man in Tom Lawrence, Derby have ensured no stone is left unturned in bringing in a wealth of experience.

Players such as Conor Hourihane, Nathaniel Mendez-Laing, James Chester and David McGoldrick all boast just shy of 200 Premier League appearances between them and 900 games in the Championship.

Add James Collins and Tom Barkhuizen to the mix and Rosenior has quite the armoury.

That being said, I believe that Oxford can use this to their advantage, capitalising on Rosenior’s lack of managerial experience as the team cannot have had time to gel.

I think it could be an exciting game that will see Oxford leave with three points. My prediction? 3-1. COYY.