Portsmouth Preview - Fratton Park
Cambridge United travel to Fratton Park to take on fellow play-off chasers Portsmouth tomorrow afternoon (K.O. 3:00pm), looking to build on the impressive 3-1 win at home to York City last time out.
The U’s brushed aside the resurgent Minstermen last Saturday with goals coming courtesy of Jimmy Spencer, Josh Coulson and Ben Williamson, in perhaps the most comprehensive home win under Shaun Derry to date.
United will be without James Dunne for this weekend’s fixture, who is unavailable to face his former side following an agreement between the two clubs upon his arrival at the club in January. Conor Newton continues to struggle with a nerve problem in his back and remains sidelined. Whilst Keith Keane comes back into contention for the U’s after his recent loan spell with Stevenage expired.
Portsmouth began the season red hot favorites for promotion to Sky Bet League One, going nine games unbeaten leading the pack during the early encounters of the campaign. However, their form has faltered of late, winning only one fixture in their past seven.
United will be looking to avenge the 3-1 defeat at the Abbey Stadium in October last year but to do so will need to overcome a Pompey side that currently lead the head-to-head records by 11 wins to Cambridge’s one.
The U’s once again sit on the cusp of the top seven and Derry is desperate for his side to produce the performance that could see them break into the play-off positions.
He said: “We have been in and around this position in the League for a few weeks now.
“At certain times we have let ourselves down a little bit but I know when we play to our capabilities then we can cause an upset against anyone in this league, including Portsmouth.”
Tickets for the game are no longer available online but supporters can secure a place on the day of the game from the Fratton Park ticket office. Call 01223 566 500 for more information.