Match Preview: Cambridge Utd vs Rotherham United

Mark Bonner’s U’s will be hoping to bounce back from last weekend’s defeat as they host table-toppers Rotherham United at the Abbey Stadium…

Form

Following a run of three successive wins in three different competitions, Cambridge United were undone in South London last weekend, with Charlton Athletic running out 2-0 winners.

Cambridge United form: LWWWL

Despite looking like a routine with for Johnnie Jackson’s Addicks from the outside, the U’s saw multiple chances go begging either side of the half time whistle, with Sam Smith coming the closest to finding an equaliser – being excellently denied by the impressive Craig MacGillivray – before Conor Washington’s second of the afternoon sealed the three points just a minute before time.

Prior to last weekend’s defeat, the U’s ran riot in Gloucestershire, with Joe Ironside’s perfect hattrick contributing to a 5-0 win for Mark Bonner’s side against Cheltenham Town.

Following the same script in which has seen the Millers yo-yo between the second and third tier for the last five seasons, Paul Warne’s side head to the Abbey Stadium this weekend sitting at the summit of League One, looking to extend on their impressive 20-game unbeaten run, a run that’s not bettered by anyone in the top four divisions of English Football.

Rotherham United form:DWWWW

Wigan Athletic’s 1-1 draw against Ipswich Town at the weekend saw the Millers move into championship contention thanks to their 3-1 win over Burton Albion. Freddie Ladapo’s brace, coupled with Daniel Barlaser’s late free kick sealed the Millers’ seventh win in their last eight outings in all competitions.

Prior to last weekend’s victory over Burton Albion, Rotherham hit five for the fourth time this season, with Freddie Ladapo, Mickel Miller, Dan Barlaser and Chiedozie Ogbene all contributing as the Miller’s ran out comfortable 5-1 victors over Steve Evans’ Gills.

Key Player: Michael Smith

The Millers were fortunate to keep hold of prized asset Michael Smith throughout the summer, after the winger bagged ten Championship goals in what was a disappointing season for Paul Warne’s side last campaign. The former Bury and Portsmouth man, now somewhat of an EFL veteran at the age of 30, has not let off this season, having already contributed to 17 goals (12G, 5A) in just 20 League One appearances.

Down Memory Lane

Rotherham will come as no strangers to the U’s, with both sides only clashing a month ago. Ben Wiles and Daniel Barlaser’s goals saw the Millers hold a 2-0 lead going into half time, before Sam Smith’s curling effort looked to set up a tense finish at the New York Stadium. However, after weathering a storm of Cambridge United attacks throughout the second half, Freddie Ladapo ensured the points would be staying in South Yorkshire with an 84^th minute header.

Saturday’s hosts Rotherham boast the historical advantage over the U’s, having won 11 of the 25 games between the two sides, three better than United’s eight wins.

Fans may remember the U’s 6-1 annihilation of Rotherham in Division Two back at the turn of the new millennium, whereby braces from Ian Ashbee and Tom Youngs, coupled with goals from Zema Abbey and Jonas Axeldal secured a memorable comeback win for Roy McFarland’s side.

Quick Quotes

U’s Head Coach Mark Bonner knows his U’s side face a tough test this weekend against table-toppers Rotherham, “That day [the last meeting between the two sides] I thought we gave a really good account of ourselves but came up against a really powerful and aggressive team in a brilliant run of form. I think they are 20 games unbeaten at the moment.

“We know it will be a tough game, but we know we can compete with these teams and will have to give the best version of ourselves to be competitive at the weekend. I think this one is one to look forward to because last time it was a game that we learned a lot from.”

Paul Warne is expecting another tough battle against Cambridge United on Saturday, "It can help us in doing our analysis, that is for sure. We're showing the lads the problems they caused us last time and the problems that we caused them, which is quite nice.

"The game is quite fresh in our memories but I was really impressed with them. I remember saying after the game that they were one of the toughest teams we've faced. Ironside up top caused us problems and I know it will be a tough game because they're a really good home team.”

Officials

Trevor Kettle will take charge of the game on Saturday at the Abbey Stadium, with Michael Webb and Aaron Farmer being appointed as assistants. Ollie Williams will oversee the clash as fourth official.

How to Watch

The clash kicks off at 3pm, with tickets available online, over the phone by calling 01223 566500 (option 1) or by visiting the Abbey Stadium Ticket Office on Saturday.

Supporters attending the Abbey Stadium should be made aware that COVID-19 certification is required upon entry, with more information available to read here.

Save money by purchasing your tickets in-advance of the fixture, as all prices increase by £2 when buying in-person on the day of the game. Please view advance prices 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

If you can't make it to the game, listen to the action live on iFollow.

International U’s will be able stream the action live with an iFollow Match Pass. Match Passes cost £10 and are available to purchase by clicking here.

The best way to stream the match is by doing so via the EFL iFollow App but please note, the App is only for streaming and supporters can't purchase their Match Passes through the application.