Preview: Cambridge United vs. Bristol Rovers - prediction, team news, lineups

The visitors currently sit 11th in the League One table, but a victory at the weekend could end up pushing them to just outside of the playoffs.

Match preview

Cambridge United got 2023 off to a difficult start when they faced Sheffield Wednesday, suffering a 5-0 loss.

That made it two games in a row where the team were defeated and also failed to score a single goal in the process, which is something they need to change immediately.

The Amber Army are currently just above the relegation zone, and there are only two points keeping them out of the drop zone right now.

A defeat on Saturday could potentially drop Mark Bonner's team into the bottom four places, which they will be pushing to avoid.

Fortunately for Cambridge United, they have been much stronger at home in comparison to their performances on the road, which should provide some confidence for the team this weekend.

The hosts will need to provide a stronger performance than when the two teams previously met this season, because it was Bristol Rovers who took three points that day.

The Pirates defeated Cambridge United 2-1 in that match, with Josh Coburn scoring a 56th-minute winner.

Joey Barton's men also head into this game with more confidence due to winning their most recent match to start 2023 with a bang as they defeated Cheltenham Town 2-1.

Coburn was on the scoresheet in that match as well, with Aaron Collins also scoring to ensure that the Pirates got another win to their name.

They will now look to make it consecutive victories on Saturday, with three points potentially moving them up to eighth place depending on other results.

Cambridge United League One form:

L

L

D

W

L

L

Cambridge United form (all competitions):

L

L

D

W

L

L

Bristol Rovers League One form:

D

W

W

L

L

W

Bristol Rovers form (all competitions):

W

W

W

L

L

W

Team News

Cambridge United could welcome George Williams back into the team this weekend following his return from illness, while Ben Worman has also been recovering well from his ankle problem.

However, Fejiri Okenabirhie and Brandon Haunstrup will still be on the sidelines, as they are not expected to be back in the team until the end of the month at the earliest.

Dimitar Mitov and Liam O'Neil are two other injury concerns for the hosts, with both of them also set to miss out this Saturday.

Liam Bennett was brought straight into the team against Sheffield Wednesday though after being recalled from his loan period, and he should keep his place in the team.

The strike partnership of Collins and Coburn is likely to remain unchanged for the visitors this weekend after both of them got on the scoresheet in their most recent outing.

Barton made a trio of changes to his starting XI in the last match with Scott Sinclair, James Connolly and Harry Anderson all coming into the team, and after securing three points they might retain their place.

Cambridge United possible starting lineup:

Mannion; Bennett, Okedina, Taylor, Brophy; Digby, Worman; Smith, Knibbs, Tracey; Ironside

Bristol Rovers possible starting lineup:

Belshaw; Connolly, Thomas, Gibson; Evans, Finley, Coutts, Sinclair, Anderson; Collins, Coburn

We say: Cambridge United 0-3 Bristol Rovers

Cambridge United might be able to boast the home advantage this weekend, but that does not mean that they will be the favourites heading into this match.

The visitors have been in good form throughout the season, and their attacking quality should be enough to get the job done on Saturday.

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