The U’s will be hoping to bounce back from defeat against Rotherham at the weekend as they prepare for a clash against Wigan Athletic…
Form
“We've not played a team as strong, athletic and aggressive this season." – the words of Head Coach Mark Bonner after his side were beaten by Rotherham on Saturday as the Miller’s stretched their unbeaten run in all competitions to 15 thanks to goals from Ben Wiles, Daniel Barlaser and Freddie Ladapo seeing the points stay in South Yorkshire.
However, it wasn’t so straightforward for Paul Warne’s side – who are aiming to make it three promotions in their last five seasons – as a valiant U’s side had Rotherham pegged back in their own half for much of the second half – after Sam Smith’s fourth in as many games halved the deficit five minutes after the restart, before Freddie Ladapo secured the win late on.
Cambridge United form: DLLWL
Prior to Saturday’s defeat, the U’s tasted FA Cup success as they saw off Northampton Town in a First Round replay at the Abbey Stadium. Harvey Knibbs, Sam Smith and Ben Worman sealed a comfortable win for Mark Bonner’s side, setting up a Second Round tie at home against either Bradford City or Exeter City.
Leam Richardson’s side are living up to pre-season expectations, with the Latics sitting just two points shy off top spot – as well as boasting two games in hand over Plymouth who currently sit at the summit of League One.
Wigan Athletic form: WWDWW
The Lancashire based side head into Tuesday night’s game at the Abbey fresh off the back of a free weekend, having seen their clash at the Kassam Stadium postponed on Saturday due to a Covid-19 outbreak within the Oxford United camp.
Despite boasting a wealth of experienced EFL pro’s, the Latics struggled to see off Solihull Moors in their previous outing, with it taking a replay and extra time for the Latics to eventually see off the Vanarama National League outfit. Wigan eventually secured their FA Cup Second Round tie against Colchester United thanks to Callum Lang’s 104th minute goal.
Key Player: Max Power
The Tranmere Rovers academy graduate made his return to the DW Stadium this summer following his release from Sunderland and is quickly establishing himself as one of League One’s best players. The 28-year-old has been deployed largely at right back this season, contributing to six goals (1G, 5A), however has more recently has been playing in his more natural position in the heart of the Latics’ midfield, as Leam Richards side have switched between playing with a three and four-man defence.
Down Memory Lane
Tuesday’s night’s clash at the Abbey will see both Cambridge United and Wigan meet competitively for the first time in almost two decades. Andy Liddell’s second half hattrick sealed all three points for the Latics in a 4-1 win at the then named JJB Stadium back in 2002.
Tuesday’s visitors Wigan boast a historical advantage over the U’s, having won five of the 14 clashes between both sides, three better than United’s two wins.
The U’s last tasted victory over Wigan back on Boxing Day of 1995, as Tommy Taylor’s side ran out 2-1 winners over Wigan in front of 2,855 at the Abbey Stadium. United’s only other victory came en route to the U’s eventual promotion to the old Second Division (now Championship) in April 1991, with John Beck’s running out 1-0 victors on the day.
Quick Quotes
U’s Head Coach Mark Bonner is expecting a tough match-up against the Latics on Tuesday night: “They have got the ability to be aggressive and direct, playing forward passes into strikers like Charlie Wyke, and Stephen Humphreys that can physically dominate and be a real threat in the box off crosses.
“They have got players like James McLean, Callum Lang, as well as good quality full backs that want to attack and their possession stats are very high. They will also find ways to find Will Keane as a number 10, they have got lots of lots of options in attacking areas.”
Officials
Declan Bourne has been appointed as the game’s referee, with Christopher Husband and Stuart Butler coming in as his assistant referee’s. Hristo Karaivanov will oversee the game as fourth official.
How to Watch
Kick-off is at 7:45pm and another big crowd is expected, so supporters are advised to snap up their tickets whilst they can.
Tickets are available online, over the phone by calling 01223 566500 (option 1) or by visiting the Abbey Stadium Ticket Office.
Supporters who can't make it to the game can 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.