CAMBRIDGE OUT TO BREAK LUTON HOODOO

By Michael Barnes - expert writer for YABA

Cambridge United fans will be expecting Shaun Derry to set his side up to avoid defeat when they travel to Kenilworth Road on Saturday hoping the U's can upset the form book.

Statistics can be used to prove a point or to contradict one, but there can be no denying that when it comes to clashes between United and Luton Town, the men from Bedfordshire have had the upper hand over the years.

The U's have won just three of the 30 meetings between the two clubs in the Football League and the Conference, the last of those coming on a September night in 2011 when defender Rory MacAuley netted for a 1-0 victory at Kenilworth Road.

The six league meetings since Cambridge regained their Football League status have ended with five wins for the Hatters and a goalless draw at Luton in January last year, though the U's famously beat their near rivals 2-1 in the FA Cup at the Abbey in January 2015 to set up a meeting with Manchester United.

After another season of under-achievement last term, Luton are many people's tip for promotion this time around and have enjoyed a good campaign so far under manager Nathan Jones. The Hatters sit in fourth place in League Two going into Saturday's game.

Unlike United, Luton have not found goals difficult to come by. They put eight past Yeovil on the opening day of the season and scored seven in a local derby against Stevenage last month.

That win over Luton's Hertfordshire neighbours was notable for a hat-trick for former United hero Luke Berry, who appears to have found his feet with his new employer after a quiet start.

Berry did plenty to ensure himself a place in the pantheon of United greats during his two spells at Newmarket Road, but his sudden early-season departure caused a predictable rift among United fans.

It's always strange to see a local hero sporting the colours of fierce local rivals and Saturday provides a first opportunity for U's supporters to see their one time hero in action for his new club against his former team mates.

Doubtless, Derry will play down the Berry connection as he prepares his men for Saturday. The Head Coach will be keen to stress that success on Saturday depends on the ability of his current squad to perform rather than any external factors.

The U's have ground out goalless draws on their travels to Lincoln and Grimsby in recent weeks and coming back from Kenilworth Road with a point will be a good result in the context of the season so far,

United's nine clean sheets in the season to date have been a real plus point. The back four is a settled unit in front of keeper David Forde, who has kept the U's points in numerous games with some inspirational performances between the posts.

But those shut outs must be balanced with goals at the other end. Front pair Uche Ikpeazu and Jabo Ibhere have lost their early-season sharpness in recent weeks, while long-term injury to Ade Azeez has further reduced Derry's attacking options.

Luton are not unbeatable at home, as evidenced by recent 0-3 defeats against Coventry and Swindon at Kenilworh Road, but United will need to find a little bit extra if they are to get anything from the game.

Up the U's.

Photos provided and taken by Simon Lankester