Uwe Rosler says he is expecting Oxford United to be a force to be reckoned with this season ahead of their meeting on Saturday.
Rosler’s side host Pep Clotet’s men at Highbury, with both sides enjoying decent starts to the season, sitting comfortably in the top half of League One.
Town are facing a team who have won their last two away games in the league, picking up victories at Bristol Rovers and Peterborough United.
“Oxford are in a good position to push on,” said Rosler.
“I know they won’t just come here to try and deny us, we know they are consistent whether they are playing at home or away and they believe in their methods.
“They play good football to watch, it's effective football with great players across the pitch.
“They’ve brought in Premier League players, Championship players and players I have worked with [Alex Mowatt]. Pep Clotet is a good manager and his team will be a force to reckoned with this season.
“I believe the longer the season goes on, Oxford will get better and better.”
The German spoke following last week’s narrow loss at Shrewsbury, and he believes his side are developing all the time.
“My players are learning every day,” added Rosler.
“We have a very young history at the club and we want to improve all the time. With everybody on board with what we want to achieve, who knows where that could lead too.
“It’s good as long as you have realistic expectations and ambitions.
In English football, throughout the divisions there is unrealistic ambitions and with everybody wanting to chance the dream, only a few teams can do that.
“There are former Premier League clubs with a big history and a big budget, and clubs like Oxford, who are improving year on year, are strengthening their squad and building a successful team.”
Fleetwood’s Development Squad hosted Blackpool on Wednesday, winning 3-0 to progress into the last four of the Lancashire Senior Cup, with Rosler impressed with the first team players who were involved.
“All the players that were involved in the game played really well and have shown good character and good attitude.
“They understand how it works at this football club with these games being an opportunity, and when someone scores two goals like Ash Hunter did, you have to highlight that and I’m happy with their contribution.”