Preview: Cambridge United vs. Cheltenham Town - prediction, team news, lineups

The visitors, meanwhile, have lost three games in a row, leaving them eight points adrift of safety.

Match preview

Cambridge are certainly not safe from the prospect of relegation themselves, with Reading's win in midweek meaning that the U's are only five points clear of the drop zone. However, their recent form under Neil Harris suggests they should have enough to survive.

Important 2-1 wins against Fleetwood Town and Shrewsbury Town have sandwiched stalemates against Exeter City and Burton Albion in recent outings, with Harris earning 15 points from his nine games in charge since taking over in early December.

Lyle Taylor's brace proved enough to defeat Shrewsbury away from home last weekend, with the former Charlton Athletic striker quickly levelling the proceedings after Daniel Udoh had fired the hosts ahead, before scoring in the first minute of the second half. Tom Bloxham saw red in injury time, but Cambridge's victory was already secure by then.

After having their scheduled match against Bolton Wanderers abandoned due to a waterlogged pitch in midweek, Harris and his players will sense an excellent opportunity to pile the misery on their struggling opponents at the Abbey Stadium on Saturday.

Indeed, having gone on an excellent run of form under Darrell Clarke to somehow give themselves a strong chance of surviving, four defeats from their last five games have significantly dented Cheltenham's momentum.

The Robins only scored one goal in their opening 11 matches of the season - the first nine of which were led by Clarke's predecessor Wade Elliott - but 19 points from their following 12 games moved them to within touching distance of safety.

However, a combination of their scheduled game against Burton Albion in midweek being postponed due to a waterlogged pitch and Reading's surprise win away to Stevenage Town means they now trail the Royals by eight points. Last weekend's 3-1 defeat at home to Wycombe Wanderers was a particular body blow for Clarke's side.

As such, they will be desperate to bounce back against Cambridge on Saturday, even if they can cling to the fact that they have two games in hand on the majority of teams in League One.

Cambridge United League One form:

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Cambridge United form (all competitions):

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Cheltenham Town League One form:

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Team News

Harris may see no reason to change a winning formula after defeating Shrewsbury last time out, meaning Taylor will almost certainly lead the line after bagging a brace in that match.

As a result, the likes of Macauley Bonne, James Brophy and Adam May are likely to be reduced to making a decisive impact from the substitutes' bench.

Cheltenham, meanwhile, will remain without Robert Street due to a long-term knee injury. Clarke may be contemplating making a few changes after their disappointing defeat to Wycombe last weekend.

Matt Taylor pulled one back from his side after coming on for Aidan Keena at half-time, meaning the 35-year-old may be rewarded with a start. Liam Kinsella could also be called upon in midfield.

Cambridge United possible starting lineup:

Stevens; L Bennett, R Bennett, Morrison, Andrew; Digby, Cousins; Kaikai, Kachunga, Lankester; L Taylor

Cheltenham Town possible starting lineup:

Southwood; Smith, Davies, Shepherd; Long, Pett, Kinsella, Ferry; Sercombe; M Taylor, Keena

We say: Cambridge United 2-1 Cheltenham Town

Both teams should be fresh having had their scheduled matches on Tuesday postponed due to waterlogged pitches, and it should be a fierce battle given that both sides are fighting against relegation.

However, Cambridge are in better form and arguably have a little more individual quality to call upon, meaning we expect them to edge a tight victory in the end.

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