MATCH PREVIEW: CARLISLE UNITED
Cambridge United host Carlisle United on Saturday afternoon at the Cambs Glass Stadium for the second home fixture of the 2016/17 Sky Bet League Two campaign.Despite having only lost two of their last 11 competitive fixtures, Shaun Derry’s men will approach this weekend’s clash hunting for their first win in League Two this season.
A hard fought point against a physical Barnet outfit on the opening day has been followed up with two difficult encounters against last year’s League One sides Colchester United and Doncaster Rovers in the previous seven days.
United are hampered with a handful of early injuries to Harrison Dunk, George Maris and Adam McGurk, to add to the long term issue for Barry Corr. However, Shaun Derry still has a highly competitive 18 man squad to select his side from for this weekend’s tussle.
Meanwhile, Keith Curle's men opened their season with a notable 1-1 draw at Fratton Park, with Reggie Lambe's goal initially giving the Cumbrians the lead, before having it cancelled out by Portsmouth's Carl Baker.
That was followed up last Saturday with the Blues' first League win, as Lambe doubled his tally for the season in a 1-0 victory over Plymouth Argyle at Brunton Park, before Tuesday night's home draw with League Two new boys Cheltenham Town.
Having finished the 2015/16 campaign in tenth, one position and one point behind the U's, Curle's men have certainly made a good early fist at improving upon that this season.
Shaun Derry commented: “A good home win at the start of this season would be a great way to get going and we have only lost three of our homes matches in the last nine months.
“Our home stadium has been very kind to us and we want to take advantage of that. Once again we’ll need everybody behind us, we want the togetherness around the ground that transcends from the players on the pitch to the supporters and vice versa.
“We’ll be striving and have worked hard in the week to pick up a positive result. We have another tough opponent and it will be a battle of a game, but we’re optimistic and looking forward to Saturday.”
Tickets can be purchased online, in-store and by calling 01223 566 500, with supporters able to make a £2 saving when buying before midday on Saturday.