Cambridge United return to Sky Bet League One action with an encounter against basement side Burton Albion at the Abbey Stadium...
Despite not securing victory in either, the U’s arrive on the back of two performances to be inspired by – the aim will be to secure a third successive win on home soil in the league. Against a side low on confidence, the Brewers are out to terminate their strenuous start with a first win of the campaign.
- How to Watch
Saturday afternoon’s clash kicks off at 3pm, with tickets still available for fans to buy.
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.
Overseas fans can stream the game live with an iFollow Match Pass. Match Passes cost £10 and are available to purchase by clicking here. Elsewhere, domestic supporters who can’t make it to the Abbey can listen to live match commentary.
- Opposition Focus
During his first spell at the Pirelli, Hasselbaink masterminded a consistent and free-flowing side who were on the up. This time around, he’s had to adapt to soaking up pressure and churning out the points when it matters – something the Brewers achieved with flying colours over the past two seasons. Under pressure owing to a turgid opening six games, where they’ve failed to score in five, Burton may need to go back to the basics in order to enjoy mid-table obscurity come May.
The transfer window gives firm indication the Brewers that loan signings could prove influential business. After releasing six players, Michael Bostwick, Ryan Leak and Oumar Niassa to name a few, seven new additions enter the building. Former U Victor Adeboyejo, Davis Keillor-Dunn and Calum Butcher are the permanent additions, whilst promising Aston Villa goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo provides competition between the sticks and Quevin Castro, Tyler Onyango and Corrie Nbada all arrive with a stake to claim at their parent clubs.
An underwhelming month to say the least, the visitors were dispatched 3-0 by Wycombe Wanderers before a 1st minute red card in their next clash saw newcomers Bristol Rovers capitalise by trouncing them 0-4. Lower-league Rochdale knocked Hasselbaink’s group out of the Carabao Cup at the first hurdle. They bagged four in their next outing, but surrendered victory numerous times as Accrington Stanley clawed a bonkers 4-4 thriller. After falling 0-1 and 0-2 on home soil against Ipswich Town and Port Vale most recently, our opponents need a rapid response.
- Form Guide
Cambridge United: LWLDL
Burton Albion: LLDLL
- United’s Approach
It may be two weeks since United last secured success, but that’s not to say the camp isn’t in a confident mood. After several tests of their defensive doggedness, the U’s came out of it aware of their capabilities and rightly should be optimistic ahead of consecutive matches on home soil.
It may require patience against a side who will make things as tricky as possible, but United have showcased strong build-up play and the ability to cause havoc on the counter-attack – traits which could bode well on Saturday afternoon.
Last time out, an imposing Southampton were thorough and professional as they overcame Mark Bonner’s men in midweek. Despite both sides making several changes, the Head Coach reflected that it was “a brilliant experience to play against and see that live,” going onto mention “we’ll be better as a team and a squad for tonight.”
In regards to team news, he said: “I think Harrison (Dunk) will be ok. Greg (Taylor) and Jubril (Okedina) need to be assessed and James Brophy is back from his illness. He will train, but we’ll monitor that.”
- Head-to-Head
Cambridge United Wins: 6
Burton Albion Wins: 5
Draws: 5
- Down Memory Lane
The last clash between the outfits was an entertaining one in February when United twice came back from behind to claim a share of the spoils thanks to Harvey Knibbs’ spectacular strike and Sam Smith’s bundle – altogether, the U’s attained four points from the Brewers.
Speaking after the game, Bonner was relieved his side travelled home with something to show for their endeavours, stating: “To make sure we took something from the game was so important today. We had good chances to break away and score on counter attacks, but our decision-making, execution, or sometimes the surface, let us down a little bit and it makes the game a really scrappy and scruffy one.”
Examining record that stretch back to 2005, the most notable matchup between the sides came during 2008 in the Conference Play-Off Semi Final, where memorable braces from Lee McEvilly and Rob Wolleaston sent the U’s to Wembley.
- Officials
Referee: Benjamin Speedie
Assistant Referee: Adrian Tranter
Assistant Referee: Daniel Cook
Fourth Official: Nicholas Cooper