Match Preview: U's vs Robins

Mark Bonner’s men kick-off this season’s domestic cup competitions this Tuesday night at the Abbey Stadium…

Swindon Town will be welcomed to Cambridge following an impressive 3-1 opening day victory against Scunthorpe. The U’s come off a competitive draw against last season’s League One play-off semi-finalists Oxford United.

Form

United host Swindon looking to build on Saturday’s opening day 1-1 draw against Oxford United, following a tiresome pre-season schedule that saw the U’s face off against Championship opponents QPR and Cardiff City, as well as tough test against a Brentford XI and Northampton Town.

After a turbulent summer, which saw the appointment and departure of John McGreal in just a 30-day period, the Robin’s pre-season was largely unsuccessful – winning only one of their originally planned seven fixtures against fellow town counterparts Swindon Supermarine, with two of their scheduled friendlies cancelled due to “logistical and operational issues at the club”.

However, following a successful takeover from Australian plumbing magnate, Clem Morfuni, the appointment of Head Coach Ben Garner and the arrival of ten summer signings - coupled with an opening day victory at Scunthorpe - things are finally starting to look up from the Wiltshire club and they will be heading to the Abbey with a spring in their step.

Memory Lane

Swindon are welcomed to the Abbey in what will be the 23rd competitive fixture between the two clubs, with most of the previous games coming in the fourth tier, this will be the first meeting between the two sides in the Carabao Cup (EFL Cup) since 1995, where the hosts on the day, Swindon, ran out as comfortable 2-0 winners.

Swindon have the edge over the U’s when it comes to head-to-head fixtures, winning 13 of 22 fixtures between both sides – with United coming out on top on six occasions.

The last fixture between the two sides came on Boxing Day of 2019 in League Two, with the eventual 19/20 League Two champions running out as 4-0 winners.

Quick Quotes

Mark Bonner has stated that the U’s will "definitely be making changes" ahead of Tuesday’s game with some of the team still needing competitive minutes following pre-season – however, he knows the threat that Swindon will bring following the positivity returning to the club after a summer of uncertainty.

"Everything has changed for them, so there’s a bit of momentum behind them but we have to make sure we use the game for what it is for us, a chance to progress within the competition.”

Ben Garner is looking to 'build on the buzz' around the County Ground ahead of Tuesday’s Carabao Cup tie against The U’s.

"Everyone’s grafting and pitching in to get the club going again and to have a successful season."

The Officials

Trevor Kettle has been appointed as referee this Tuesday, with Daniel Cook and Andrew Anylott as his assistants. Kettle's opening weekend saw him appointed as the fourth official at Sixfields as Northampton Town ran out 1-0 winners against Port Vale.

How to Watch

Tickets are still available for Tuesday’s game, with fans being able to save money purchasing tickets in advance of the fixture, with tickets increasing by £2 when buying in person on the day of the game, prices (when bought in advance) can be seen below:

Ambulant Disabled supporters in receipt of higher level disability living allowance pay their relevant age category with a Carer Free of Charge, whilst the Wheelchair Disabled price also included the admission of a Free Carer Ticket, if required.

*Concessions = Seniors (64+), Young Adults (18-23), Serving or Retired Armed Forces and Full-Time Students

Online ticket purchases will be sent as e-tickets as default, with collection and delivery also available.

Buy your tickets from CUFCDirect.com, by calling 01223 566500 during the week or by purchasing from the Abbey Stadium Ticket Office during our regular opening hours.