Cambridgevs.Wycombe

The hosts will face an extremely tough test as they continue to fight for their third-tier survival.

Match preview

Garry Monk's Cambridge United had gone back-to-back games unbeaten for the first time since November when they beat Mansfield Town 3-2 on January 25, but lost once again earlier this week when they travelled to take on Rotherham United.

That result left the U's 23rd in the table, six points behind 20th-placed Northampton Town and three points behind relegation-zone rivals Crawley Town and Burton Albion.

In the reverse fixture back in September, Saturday's hosts lost 2-1 at Adams Park courtesy of a late goal from Cameron Humphreys, though with a caretaker manager in the dugout this time around, they may be hoping to catch Wycombe on an off day.

Additionally, Monk's side have recorded two wins and three losses from their last five home league games, and though that is not strong form in any sense of the term, their performances at Cledara Abbey Stadium have certainly been better than on the road considering they have registered a singular away victory all season.

At this point, Cambridge are at serious risk of being cut adrift at the foot of the table alongside fellow strugglers Shrewsbury Town, and with a clash against one of League One's best sides on the horizon, their fortunes seem unlikely to change any time soon.

Meanwhile, Wycombe have been led by caretaker boss Sam Grace since the departure of Matt Bloomfield to Championship relegation candidates Luton Town earlier this month.

The temporary manager's first game in charge was a 2-1 win on the road against Mansfield, and he has overseen two wins and one draw so far.

Last time out, star-man Richard Kone scored his 18th and 19th goals of the season - including a 95th minute winner - to deliver the Chairboys a comeback victory against Barnsley, though the Tykes did have Marc Roberts sent off with almost half an hour to play.

With that win, Grace's side remained second in League One with 58 points from their 28 games so far, but top-of-the-table Birmingham City are on 60 points having played two games fewer.

Those two games in hand will be difficult for Wycombe to overcome, but if they are to keep up the pressure in the title race, then they must take all three points this weekend against one of the favourites for relegation this season.

Cambridge United League One form:

L

L

L

D

W

L

Wycombe Wanderers League One form:

W

D

L

W

D

W

Wycombe Wanderers form (all competitions):

D

L

W

W

D

W

Team News

Cambridge may be without left-sided defender Kelland Watts after he was withdrawn with an injury late on against Rotherham.

If he is unavailable, expect George Hoddle to line up alongside captain Michael Morrison and Jubril Okedina at the back.

As for Wycombe, top-scorer Richard Kone should start up top, supported by the reverse fixture's match-winner Cameron Humphreys from an attacking midfield position.

Elsewhere, right-back Jack Grimmer had to be taken off against Barnsley due to an injury, and could be replaced in the XI by Gideon Kodua on Saturday.

If he starts, Kodua can expect to be joined by Declan Skura, Sonny Bradley and Luke Leahy in the backline.

Cambridge United possible starting lineup:

Stevens; Okedina, Morrison, Hoddle; Bennett, Cousins, Brophy, Andrew; Kachunga, Loft, Stokes

Wycombe Wanderers possible starting lineup:

Ravizzoli; Kodua, Skura, Bradley, Leahy; Bakinson, Scowen; Onyedinma, Humphreys, Udoh; Kone

We say: Cambridge United 1-3 Wycombe Wanderers

Cambridge will be desperate to avoid yet another defeat with the potential of relegation becoming more tangible every week.

Written by

Anthony Nolan

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