By Jon Murray IF Oxford United can get anything out of today's opening home game against Hull, they'll have had a fantastic start to the season.

That's the belief of their manager, Ian Atkins, who is relishing the return soon of several experienced players currently either injured or sidelined.

Atkins has been waiting on the fitness of Julian Alsop and Andy Scott for today's clash with the bookies' favourites for the Division 3 title.

Alsop is battling to overcome a back injury, while Scott has yet to feature this season after injuring his left ankle in the final pre-season friendly at Moor Green.

Atkins said: "If we can get through this weekend unscathed, then great.

"We'll go for the win, and that would be brilliant, but even if we pick up a point, that would not be a disaster because we have had three very difficult games in a week and had a lot of bodies missing. So to come out of the week with three results would be fabulous."

Atkins added: "By next weekend, James Hunt will be back, Dave Waterman will be fit, and Scotty will definitely be fit as well. That all adds up to good competition."

While the U's have started off with two excellent away wins, Hull have hammered Darlington and lost at first division new boys Wigan in the Carling Cup.

"They're the champions elect at this stage because they've spent £750,000 on a strikeforce," said Atkins.

After treatment on a sore calf, Paul Wanless will be fit to play, and to face his good friend Ian Ashbee, who was with him at Cambridge for five years.

"I think you go in even harder when you're up against a friend," he chuckled. "He loves a tackle as well, so the first challenge could be an interesting one!"

Centre back Marc Joseph, injured in the 4-1 defeat of Darlington, returns for Hull after missing the midweek cup tie at Wigan. The £70,000 signing from Peterborough will probably replace Justin Whittle.

Atkins calls on the fans to get behind their team. In his programme notes for today's match, he writes: "I am sure we can have a memorable, and successful season again and we need you behind us all the way. Your encouragement throughout the season is vital."

United have history on their side - Hull have failed to win any of their last 11 visits to Oxford.

Oxford Utd: (from) Woodman, McNiven, Ashton, Crosby, Bound, Robinson, Townsley, Wanless, Brown, Alsop, Basham, Whitehead, Scott, Hackett, Rawle, Oldfield, Omoyinmi, Lovegrove.

Hull City: (from) Fettis, Thelwell, Joseph, Hinds, Delaney, Price, Ashbee, Green, Elliott, Burgess, Allsopp, Musselwhite, Whittle, Appleby, Keates, Forrester.