Luton Town will be looking to avoid a surprise defeat when they visit Cambridge United at Cledara Abbey Stadium for their EFL Trophy game on Tuesday.
The League Two side at home secured a 3-1 win over Crawley Town on Saturday, while the League One visitors come into this after losing 2-0 to Stevenage on the same day.
Match preview
Cambridge were lucky not to concede several times in the second half against Crawley, given they faced five big chances, but their only two shots on target in that period turned into goals.
The U’s sit seventh in League Two with 18 points and are just three points behind Grimsby Town, who are third and hold the last automatic promotion spot.
Manager Neil Harris didn’t lead their EFL Trophy run last season, but he’ll be hoping to push further than the round of 32 they reached in 2024-25.
Cambridge’s recent form has been mixed; they failed to win four of their past six games. Although they’ve only lost twice, they couldn’t find the net in three matches during that stretch.
The hosts have been solid at home though, winning four out of their last five games at Cledara Abbey Stadium, scoring 10 goals and conceding four.
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Luton’s loss against Stevenage was a low-chance affair but marked the fourth time in five matches they’ve let in two or more goals.
Manager Matt Bloomfield is under pressure from fans who were heard booing during that defeat-their third loss out of five games recently.
The Hatters stand 11th in League One with 16 points after 11 games but are just three points shy of Huddersfield Town, who sit sixth and inside the playoff places.
Luton have met Cambridge eight times since January 31, 2015. In that period, Luton won six times without suffering a defeat against them.
Bloomfield will want to stop his team’s away winless run from stretching to four games. A home win for Cambridge would mark Luton’s fifth loss in seven road matches recently.
Cambridge United form (all competitions):
Luton Town EFL Trophy form:
Luton Town form (all competitions):
Team News
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It’s likely Cambridge will field a similar lineup to the one that lost narrowly to Fulham (1-0) in the EFL Cup on September 23. Shayne Lavery and Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu could both feature up front again.
If they play with two holding midfielders, expect Korey Smith and Shane Mc Loughlin to partner each other there.
Harris might also give some younger players more chances-Adam Mayor looks set for his sixth start this season as a wide player.
Luton centre-back Teden Mengi is sure to be rested since he just returned from injury on Saturday. That could mean Christian Chigozie, Christ Makosso and Kal Naismith get starts at the back instead.
The Hatters might line up with Zack Nelson, Liam Walsh and Jake Richards supporting forwards Lasse Selvag Nordas and Jerry Yates from midfield.
Cambridge United possible starting lineup:
Eastwood; Bennett, Jobe, Rossi, Bradshaw; Brophy, Smith, Mc Loughlin, Mayor; Lavery, Mpanzu
Luton Town possible starting lineup:
Shea; Chigozie, Makosso, Naismith; Kodua, Nelson, Walsh, Richards, Bramall; Nordas, Yates
Our prediction: Cambridge United 2-1 Luton Town
Cambridge have been strong at home lately so they’ll feel confident even though Luton’s playing one league higher than them.
Luton’s defence has been shaky recently and given how poorly they’ve done away from home it wouldn’t be surprising if they lose again on the road here.
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