OXFORD United rounded off pre-season with a 2-0 defeat at home against Serie B side Palermo.

Quickfire goals just after the hour mark from Dario Saric and Roberto Insigne ensured the Rosanero left Grenoble Road with a victory.

It was the dress rehearsal for United, who begin their Sky Bet Championship campaign with a home clash against Norwich City on Saturday.

Here, we take a look at the key talking points from the Palermo friendly.

Read our match report here

Preferred starting XI?

There was just one change from the side which beat Southampton in midweek, as Przemyslaw Placheta started on the left wing.

That meant Jamie Cumming was again in goal, with the back four consisting of Peter Kioso, Elliott Moore, Ciaron Brown and Joe Bennett.

That back five unit appears to be settled, with Kioso currently the first choice right back ahead of Sam Long, and Bennett in front of Greg Leigh and Jack Currie for the left back slot.

In midfield, it’s been the trio of Cameron Brannagan, Ruben Rodrigues and Will Vaulks, with the latter sitting deep, and Brannagan and Rodrigues advanced of him.

On the right wing, Tyler Goodrham has moved out wide from the midfield position he occupied in the final months of last season, although it is in midfield where Des Buckingham sees his long-term future.

Placheta played the first 45 minutes against Palermo, with Mark Harris up front.

It’s the wide areas which will potentially give Buckingham the biggest headache prior to Norwich, with Goodrham and Placheta potentially challenged by Owen Dale, Malcolm Ebiowei and Matt Phillips.

A settled line-up across the final two friendlies suggests though that Buckingham has an idea of the team which will take on the Canaries.

Placheta shows glimpses of ability

Poland international Placheta only played the first 45 minutes, his first action of pre-season.

However, he was bright in possession and showed plenty of promise in terms of taking on his marker and playing balls into the penalty area.

In fact, he was probably United’s most likely creative outlet, until Leigh replaced him for the second period.

Cumming on top form

As mentioned above, Cumming has played the last two friendlies, and it appears as though the number one shirt is his to lose.

On the evidence of the Palermo game, he won’t be giving it up any time soon.

Without doubt the man of the match against the Rosanero, Cumming made a number of excellent stops, including from Filippo Ranocchia in the first half, and then to deny substitutes Claudio Gomes and Matteo Luigi Brunori in the second period.

It was a brilliant display from Cumming, who will look to stay ahead of Matt Ingram in the goalkeeping pecking order this season.