Match Preview: Cambridge Utd vs Sheffield Wednesday

The U's are back in action on Tuesday night as they host Sheffield Wednesday...

• Form...

The U’s come into Tuesday night’s fixture off the back of an entertaining draw with Ipswich Town, having, much like in their previous League One encounter with Crewe Alexandra prior to the international break, battled back from two-goals down to earn a point.

Sone Aluko’s brace set Paul Cook’s men up for what would have been their fifth win in seven, however, James Brophy’s strike coupled with Joe Ironside’s late header during a much-improved second-half display from Mark Bonner’s men earned the U’s a point against the pre-season promotion favourites.

Cambridge United Form: WDLDD

A defeat and three draws in the U’s last four League One outings mean Mark Bonner’s men head into Tuesday’s clash with Sheffield Wednesday enduring their longest spell without a win this season.

Darren Moore’s men will head to the Abbey Stadium on Tuesday night following a frustrating 2-2 draw with AFC Wimbledon, a game in which the Owls found themselves sitting comfortably two-up mid-way through the second half. Lee Gregory’s brace either side of the half-time whistle was cancelled out by Nesta Guinness-Walker and Jack Rudoni’s late goal, succumbing the Owl’s to their fourth league draw of the season; keeping the Yorkshire side out of the play-offs on goal-difference.

Sheffield Wednesday Form: WWLWD

Three victories in their opening four games back in League One saw Darren Moore’s men sit top of League One after matchday four. However, an impressive win over Wigan Athletic would prove to be the Owl’s only win throughout September. Form has picked up since the turn on the new month, with Lee Gregory’s single goal against Bolton Wanderers before the international break, earning Wednesday their third win in all competitions in a row before Saturday’s most recent draw with AFC Wimbledon.

Despite a summer of change, the Owl’s have impressively managed to keep hold of their star man, Barry Bannan, despite Championship and apparent Premier League interest from new-boys Brentford. The Scotsman, who has racked up 27 appearances for the Tartan Army, has become a fans favourite at Wednesday having played over 250 times for the Owls. The midfielder is one of many Wednesday players who boast playing experience in the Premier League.

• Down Memory Lane...

Tuesday’s clash will be the 17th time in which both sides have locked horns. Sheffield Wednesday hold the head-to-head edge, winning on nine of the 16 occasions in which both sides have met – with the U’s winning on just four occasions.

Despite the head-to-head statistics, Mark Bonner’s men head into Tuesday’s clash off the back of a three-game unbeaten run against the Owl’s, with Luke Berry’s extra-time winner enough for the U’s to progress to the Second Round of the League Cup the last time the two sides met back in 2016.

Lucas Joao had originally given the visitors on the night the lead, however the Portuguese striker’s goal was cancelled out by Piero Mingoia’s brilliant long range effort in the last minute of normal time, taking the tie to extra-time.

• Quick Quotes...

U's Head Coach Mark Bonner is expecting a tough game against Sheffield Wednesday:

“They have made a solid enough start; they are really in touch with those play-off positions. I guess when you are a club of that size, like a few that we will play this year, their expectation is to be in first spot so there is a pressure on them every single game.

“What we can do is compete with these teams, we have to try and make sure that the pressure is on them to come and win games. We must try and make sure that we force the issue at the right times ourselves as well.

“They [Sheffield Wednesday] have got some strong individuals; players that are well versed and have played a lot of football in the championship, so we know that they have the individual quality in the games and can cause problems at this level.”

• The Officials...

Scott Oldham will head up Tuesday night’s clash at the abbey between the U’s and the Owl’s, having spent Saturday fourth officiating in Port Vale’s League Two game with Barrow. There was controversy surrounding Scott Oldham’s last refereeing performance – after the Lancashire based referee sent off Wycombe defender Anthony Stewart against MK Dons at the end of September, a decision that was later revoked by the EFL.

Andy Bennett and Conor Farrell will assist the referee, while Abbas Khan has been appointed as the game’s fourth official.

• Tickets...

Limited tickets are still available online, over the phone by calling 01223 566500 (option 1) or by visiting the Abbey Stadium Ticket Office. So fans are urged to snap them fast before they are all gone.

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

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.

However you choose to do so, make sure to get behind the U's once again.