KARL Robinson senses a feelgood factor around Oxford United as they prepare to take on Premier League opposition this afternoon.

Roy Hodgson is expected to bring a strong Crystal Palace side for the first friendly at the Kassam Stadium in pre-season.

With just two weeks left until the Sky Bet League One season kicks off, United have enjoyed a good week.

They impressed in a 3-0 win at Aldershot Town on Tuesday and then added former top-flight forward Jamie Mackie.

While he is not ready to play today, fellow new boy Gavin Whyte is set to make his debut with international clearance due to be received yesterday.

Robinson knows Palace will provide a huge step up in class, but the United boss is in good spirits.

He said: “We have tremendous respect for them and we’re looking forward to being at home.

“I don’t get too worried about how many people see us play, because I know we’re good.

“Whether we have a bad day on Saturday or not is irrelevant, I know we’re bringing in good players.

“There’s a buzz about the place at the moment.”

He added: “It’s another opportunity for us to get minutes in the legs and get some more organisation into us.

“We’ll lose possession of the ball a lot because of the quality of the opposition, but that’s why you play these games.”

While United have split their squad so far in pre-season, today could start to see Robinson putting his strongest line-up together.

But one youngster could make a surprise appearance.

First-year scholar Fabio Lopes has caught the manager’s eye – and it has nothing to do with his distinctive haircut.

A cameo against Oxford City a week ago was followed up by a longer audition against Hungerford Town on Wednesday night.

The attacking midfielder scored in the latter friendly, but it was other elements of his game which left Robinson raving.

He said: “Forget the finish, his first touch, his ability to retain the ball and his game understanding – all the things you can’t teach young footballers – he has in abundance.

“And he’s not 17 until December.

“He could be one of the best players this club has seen in a long time from the academy.

“He’s done enough to be with the first team squad against a Premier League team.”