MATCH PREVIEW: IPSWICH TOWN
Cambridge United welcome Ipswich Town to the Cambs Glass Stadium as the first visitors on home soil during pre-season of the 2016/17 campaign.Having strung together a four game unbeaten start to 2016/17, including Tuesday night’s 4-0 win over Newmarket Town, Shaun Derry’s side now face a step up in their schedule as the intensity ramps up against the Tractor Boys.
Already new arrivals Joe Pigott and George Maris have stamped their mark, with both players enjoying success in front of goal, whilst the likes of Piero Mingoia, Medy Elito and Max Clark have settled into the U’s squad smoothly.
Saturday’s match provides the Amber Army with the first opportunity to watch the new players at home, as well as welcoming back the likes of 2015/16 Player of the Season Leon Legge, captain Luke Berry and fan’s favourite Harrison Dunk and Josh Coulson.
Meanwhile, the visitors are in the midst of their preparations for the upcoming Sky Bet Championship season, after finishing 7th and five points outside the play-off positions last year.
Manager Mick McCarthy is set to bring his full first team squad to the Cambs Glass Stadium, with the Tractor Boys beating Colchester United 1-0 earlier this week.
The Suffolk side edged last year’s tight affair between the two sides 3-2 – read the report from that game here – but the U’s will be improve on that this year and continue their unbeaten streak.
Looking ahead to his first home game as a U, Piero Mingoia commented: “The games against Ipswich and Villa will be the first at the home stadium, and whenever you join a new club it’s one of the first things you think about, running out in front of the home crowd.
“Aston Villa and Ipswich are two big teams, which as well as providing us great games to prepare for the season, means I’m sure there will be plenty of supporters coming down to watch.
“We’ll try and use that to our advantage but more than anything we must keep doing what we have already, which is not taking our foot off the gas and continue producing good performances.”
Match tickets are available to buy in-store, online and by calling 01223 566 500 now.