CONOR McAleny has backed Oxford United’s attacking unit to find a way to prise open one of Sky Bet League One’s tightest defences.

The U’s visit an Oldham Athletic side who, despite struggling against relegation, have the division’s joint third best defensive record.

Goalkeeper Connor Ripley, who played one game for United in 2012, has kept 15 clean sheets – two more than his nearest challengers, which include Simon Eastwood.

The Latics frustrated the U’s in a 1-1 draw at the Kassam Stadium in December, but McAleny is confident Michael Appleton’s side have the talent to breach the hosts’ rearguard.

The striker, who netted the fifth goal of his loan spell from Everton in Saturday’s 2-1 win at Peterborough United, said: “They’ve had a few clean sheets and the pitch isn’t great, which probably helps them.

“But we’re going there for three points and nothing else.

“We’ve just got to work out how to break them down and get the goals.

“Hopefully we can do that.

“We’re good players, I’m sure we can figure out a way to put the pitch to one side and get a couple of goals.”