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Joe Bennett is eager to embrace Oxford United’s underdog status and believes that the team has the potential to surprise many in the Sky Bet Championship this season. Despite being considered as favorites for relegation by bookmakers, Bennett is confident in the team’s ability to shake things up in the second tier, especially when playing at home.

He acknowledges that the squad is relatively inexperienced but is optimistic about their chances. Bennett recalls a tough match against Coventry in the FA Cup last season, highlighting the standard of competition they will face. He sees being an underdog as an advantage, allowing the team to play without the weight of expectations and fly under the radar to do their job effectively.

The team has welcomed 11 new players this summer, including goalkeepers and defensive, midfield, and winger additions. Bennett acknowledges that it will take time for the team to gel but emphasizes the importance of hitting the ground running in the Championship. He looks forward to the challenge of playing in top stadiums against strong teams, seeing it as an opportunity to test themselves and showcase their abilities.

Having recently signed a contract extension with United, Bennett is committed to continuing the positive momentum from last season into the Championship. He reflects on the successful integration into the team last season and aims to build on that success in the new league. Bennett is focused on helping the team maintain their position and believes that they have what it takes to compete and surprise others in the division.