Preview: Cambridge United vs. Plymouth Argyle - prediction, team news, lineups

The visitors, meanwhile, are looking to bounce back from a defeat to Port Vale and strengthen their position at the top of the table.

Match preview

Cambridge have endured a relatively poor 2022-23 campaign so far, occupying 20th in League One and sitting only three points above the relegation spots.

Mark Bonner's side took a break from domestic duties in midweek as they played host to West Ham United in a friendly, eventually losing out 4-2 to the Premier League outfit.

Last time out in the league, Cambridge suffered a dramatic defeat at the hands of Forest Green in League One by a score of 2-1, owing to a 93rd-minute penalty from Connor Wickham.

That loss means that the U's have only won once in their last six league outings, and Bonner will know his side need to pick up points quickly in their bid to avoid relegation.

A tough test awaits them this weekend in front of their own fans, as they welcome the league leaders Plymouth, who have only lost once in their last 14 league matches.

Steven Schumacher will be deeply disappointed with his side's 2-0 defeat at home to Port Vale last time out, courtesy of a brace from James Wilson, as it ended their 100% home record.

Despite sitting at the top of the table, Plymouth have not won in the league since they suffered a devastating 5-1 thrashing at the hands of Grimsby Town in the FA Cup first round.

Draws with Lincoln City and Burton Albion followed their cup exit, before they were defeated by Port Vale at Home Park, leaving the Pilgrims just one point clear of second-placed Ipswich Town.

Schumacher will be eager to see his side get back on track here, as they have taken 16 points from their 10 games on the road this season, and they are coming up against a side that have shipped 32 goals so far this campaign - only three teams have conceded more.

Cambridge United League One form:

L

W

L

D

L

L

Cambridge United form (all competitions):

D

W

L

L

L

L

Plymouth Argyle League One form:

D

W

W

D

D

L

Plymouth Argyle form (all competitions):

W

L

D

D

W

L

Team News

Cambridge will be without midfielder Adam May for the visit of Plymouth on Saturday, as he is sidelined with a long-term cruciate ligament injury.

Greg Taylor returned to captain the side against West Ham United, and Ibsen Rossi made his first appearance since suffering a hamstring injury, so they could both keep their places here.

As for the visitors, Ryan Hardie and Niall Ennis both returned to Argyle's starting XI against Port Vale, but Schumacher could opt to shuffle the pack after tasting defeat at Home Park.

Hardie will no doubt lead the line for the Pilgrims, and he will be looking to add to the 10 goals that he has scored in all competitions this season.

Cambridge United possible starting lineup:

Mannion; Williams, Taylor, Jones, Dunk; Digby, Worman; Knibbs, Tracey, Brophy; Ironside

Plymouth Argyle possible starting lineup:

Cooper; Lonwijk, Wilson, Galloway; Edwards, Houghton, Randell, Mumba; Whittaker, Ennis; Hardie

We say: Cambridge United 0-2 Plymouth Argyle

Despite suffering a setback against Port Vale last time out, we fancy Plymouth to respond with a win here at the Abbey Stadium.

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