OXFORD United’s pre-season friendlies against higher-league opposition will stand them in good stead for life in Sky Bet League One, according to Chey Dunkley.

Brighton & Hove Albion, who finished third in the Championship last season, visit the Kassam Stadium this evening (7.45).

It comes a week after the U’s lost 2-1 to Premier League champions Leicester City.

Dunkley knows they are in for another stern examination, but believes it is a useful dress rehearsal for what will be required when they face some of the bigger names in League One this season.

He said: “It’s always going to help us as a team to get better and test ourselves against a higher opponent and hopefully prepare us for teams in our league.

“Sometimes we’ll have a spell where we’re not going to have much possession in our own league, so it’s always good to go against a higher opponent who have more of the ball.

“That’s where we need to be really switched on and more organised.

“We’ll have to do that during the season, so it’s always good.”

Winger Alex MacDonald (hip) is the only player unavailable for the hosts this evening.

Brighton split their squad on Saturday and lost at League Two sides Luton Town and Stevenage.

Boss Chris Hughton is expected to bring a big squad tonight and make plenty of substitutions ahead of their final friendly, at home to Lazio on Sunday.