Cambridge United will head to Edgeley Park on Saturday to face Stockport County in the FA Cup second round, with a chance to reach a potentially rewarding next stage.
The Hatters have only lost once in their last four matches leading up to the weekend, while the U’s are aiming for their third victory in four games.
Match preview
Stockport haven’t had much luck historically in the FA Cup, only ever making it as far as the fifth round. Still, fans will be hoping for a tie against a Premier League team if they make it through.
Dave Challinor’s side narrowly missed out on moving up to the Championship via last season’s playoffs but have started strong again this year. They’re currently fifth in League One with 29 points and pushing hard.
Their rise has been powered by resilience. Although they’ve lost just twice since an early October defeat by Salford City, they haven’t managed to win any of their last five games outright.
On Wednesday, Challinor’s squad came from behind to draw 1-1 with Crewe Alexandra before winning on penalties in the EFL Trophy. That followed a tough 3-0 loss at Peterborough and a 1-1 draw against Barnsley at the end of October.
The Hatters will want to get back on track this Saturday and could take inspiration from their previous League Two cup game when they beat Tranmere Rovers 3-1 in the FA Cup first round.
Playing at home gives Stockport some confidence too – they’ve only lost once at Edgeley Park since August and have won three of their past five home matches.
© Imago / Sports Press Photo
As for Cambridge United, their best FA Cup runs were back-to-back quarter-finals in 1989-90 and 1990-91. Supporters traveling this weekend will hope this current squad can reach at least the third round spotlight.
Neil Harris’ U’s are flying right now and hold one of the playoff spots in League Two as they aim to bounce straight back into League One.
This Tuesday, Cambridge rallied from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Bristol Rovers in EFL Trophy action but eventually fell short on penalties against the Gas.
Before that penalty heartbreaker, Harris’ men went unbeaten throughout November with six games under their belt – including four wins like a solid 3-0 victory over Chester in that FA Cup first round match.
Still, despite doing well overall this season, Cambridge’s away form is pretty disappointing. They’ve got just one road win since mid-August alongside six losses and two draws – not great numbers going into Saturday’s trip.
Stockport County FA Cup form:
Stockport County form (all competitions):
Cambridge United FA Cup form:
Cambridge United form (all competitions):
Team News
© Imago / Pro Sports Images
Stockport usually rotate players for cup games so expect a lineup close to what faced Crewe recently in the EFL Trophy.
This probably means Corey Addai starts between the sticks with Joseph Olowu, Jack Hunt and Corey O’Keeffe forming a back three ahead of him.
Tayo Edun and Che Gardner should operate as wing-backs supporting Jack Diamond and Malik Mothersille behind striker Kyle Wootton – who might come in instead of Benony Breki Andresson after his injury on Wednesday.
On Cambridge’s side, there are several absences: Shane Mc Loughlin and Shayne Lavery are out along with Michael Morrison and Louis Appere who both had injuries during that Crewe match on November 29.
A bit more hopeful news comes from Harris saying midfielder Dominic Ball could possibly play against Stockport but is more likely ready for next Tuesday’s game versus Chesterfield instead.
Mamadou Jobe may partner Kell Watts centrally while Korey Smith and George Hoddle work through midfield. But don’t be surprised if there’s major rotation given Cambridge have three matches coming up within seven days soon after this one.
Stockport County possible starting lineup:
Addai; Hunt, Olowu, O’Keefe; Gardner, Moxon, Edwards, Edun; Diamond, Mothersille; Wootton
Cambridge United possible starting lineup:
Eastwood; Bennett, Jobe, Watts, Purrington; Hoddle, Smith; Brophy, Mc Connell, Mayor; Kachunga
Our prediction: Stockport County to edge past Cambridge United 2-1
Stockport have shown grit but haven’t been able to secure many wins lately. >>That said , even though Cambridge are playing well overall , their poor record away from home might cost them come Saturday. >
Source link
