OXFORD United aim to spoil the visitors' party today, with Shaun Derry taking charge of Cambridge United for the first time.
Derry was appointed as Richard Money’s successor on Thursday and has signed a deal until 2018 with the Sky Bet League Two club.
Centre back Johnny Mullins, who returns from suspension, is aware Cambridge players will be out to prove a point, but believes United will be more than able to cope.
He said: “They will be chomping at the bit to impress and it will be a difficult game, but we will be ready.
“There will be players that have got a clean slate and others wanting to impress.
“But there will be 11 players in an Oxford shirt looking to impress too and we have just got to make sure we are too good for them.
“We are confident, but we have to respect and know they are going to be a dangerous opponent.”
Appleton echoed Mullins’ words, and was happy that Derry’s first game in charge was at the Kassam Stadium.
He said: “I am glad we are not going to their place with a new manager being appointed, it probably would have brought an extra little bit of spice to the atmosphere.”
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