PRE-MATCH: SHAUN DERRY
Cambridge United Manager Shaun Derry is delighted to welcome a side with the calibre of Aston Villa to the Cambs Glass Stadium on Tuesday night (7:30pm).Joe Pigott levelled late for the U’s with his sixth goal since arriving at the club in early July, as United drew 1-1 with Villa’s Championship rivals Ipswich Town on Saturday afternoon.
That result means Shaun Derry’s men extended their unbeaten streak to 13 games, having not lost a match since the defeat to Bristol Rovers back in April.
The U’s boss will be hoping to continue that streak against the Villains as well as giving his players the minutes they need in the lead-up to the 2016/17 campaign, which kicks off in under two weeks’ time against Barnet at the Cambs Glass Stadium.
Meanwhile, Champions League winning Manager Roberto Di Matteo is set to arrive in the city with his new side, Aston Villa, as the West Midlands outfit prepare for their first season outside the Premier League ever.
Having lifted the FA Cup, European Cup and League Title throughout the club’s history, Aston Villa are without doubt one of the most iconic football clubs in the country.
The sides have not met though since the U’s defeated the Villains in the League Cup, 2-1, back in 1981, the season that Aston Villa went on to become the champions of England.
Looking ahead to the fixture, Cambridge United Manager Shaun Derry could not disguise his excitement at being able to measure his team against the Championship opponents.
He said: “The chances are we will be spending a lot of time off the ball on Tuesday night, because Aston Villa are a very good quality of opposition.
“Championship and Premier League teams will aim to hold the ball for long periods of play before pulling you into positions where they can exploit the spaces.
“We’ll need to be disciplined in the way we line up, particularly when we are off the ball. Roberto (Di Matteo) is obviously a fantastic manager and has achieved one of the greatest things any manager can achieve in the game, by winning the Champions League.
“It’s fantastic that we can attract sides like Aston Villa to come to the Cambs Glass Stadium and test us in the lead up to the new season.
“I’m sure it will be a great occasion.”
The U’s will running out in the brand new 2016/17 away kit tomorrow night for the first time, with the amber army able to get their hands on both this season’s replica kits in-store and online now.
Tickets for the match also available by clicking here, with supporters advised to buy today to avoid a £2 increase in ticket prices.