Saturday 1st September, Sky Bet League Two
MATCH PREVIEW: Cambridge United aim for derby day victory when they travel to local rivals Stevenage
The Cambridge United View
Cambridge United have certainly had a mixed start to the season. If you had to put it one way, of course, you'd be pushing towards the negative side. That's no shock considering the stats simply do not lie. In their first six games so far this season, they have shipped 14 goals - also failing to keep a clean sheet and not taking the lead in any of their games. It's hard to shy away from the defensive mistakes too, proving costly against the likes of: Exeter City, Cheltenham Town and Northampton Town. But not to fear, right? You know what you're going to get from a Joe Dunne side, he has stressed that we will improve with time and the team will learn from their mistakes. A man of his word, it's hard not to believe him. And so what better way to bounce back with a win against rivals (if you like) Stevenage, who themselves have started strong. Positives you could take from the season so far is the never-say-die attitude, especially at Northampton and also when a bit of luck was needed against the Magpies, where we witnessed our only win of the season thus far. We can genuinely score a few goals too, just lately it seems United have struggled to take their chances. Again, something which occurred last season, but was soon revolved. Once United find that bit of ruthlessness and cut out the mistakes, they'll be a flash of the enjoyable side we saw in the closing stages of last season. The highly-anticipated return of Greg Taylor could certainly plaster over this.Joe Dunne has certainly expressed a lot of belief in the pre-match interview. He states that performances "haven't been too bad," also being "confident in how we are playing.. when we get bodies back.. the wins will follow." A look at the league table, which finds United 21st on 4 points with a goal difference of -5, does not faze the head coach just yet. It's crucial to "focus on what we are about, not on emotionally how you judge a league table after six games." Team news-wise, a real positive. Greg Taylor successfully joined training on Thursday, too late for selection at Broadhall Way (aka The Lamex)? We shall see. Barry Corr and Harrison Dunk are both getting better, which of course is crucial. Both players real assets for the club. Paul Lewis has trained all week and is set to be in the squad for the first time this season after suffering a pre-season setback. Last but not least, George Taft's initial concussion scare is not as first feared, the centre-back recovering quickly. Dunne rounding off with "we are in a better position than we thought we would be."
Stray observations time! A paragraph where I can give both obscure predictions and thoughts we've all been thinking. First and foremost, the centre-back issue. When fully fit, which 2 would you fit together? For me, Greg Taylor has to be the lynchpin. Consistent all of last season, he was comfortable even in the bigger games and will no doubt improve with experience. Now it's a tussle between Taft and John. The latter has been arguably our brightest spark from our 2 recent matches at the Abbey, seeming composed and could pick out some nice passes. But then again, the pairing of Taft and Taylor worked so well last season! I'm certainly glad I'm not Joe Dunne making the decisions. As usual, we have gone with the diamond this season. But who do you want as a mainstay next to Deegan in that holding-midfielder role? Do you stick with Liam O'Neil who can sit back and help the defenders? Or deploy George Maris in that role, leaving the likes of Brown, Amoo, Azeez or Dunk in the attacking end of the diamond and put Jabo up top? Or would you want to give Paul Lewis a chance now he's back from injury? Interesting times.
The Stevenage View
Dino Maamria's side has had an enjoyable start to life in the 2018/19 season. They are on 8 points in 5 games, bowed out to Norwich City in the Carabao Cup and thumped a young Swansea City side 5-0 in the Checkatrade Trophy on Tuesday. Defensively, they're solid, keeping 3 clean sheets in their last 4 games. A win against the Amber Army would place them comfortably in the playoffs, touching distance off the automatics.
There are certainly some players to look out for on Saturday. Stevenage have made some useful additions this season following the sale of young Ben Wilmot (who made his first Watford appearance on Wednesday) and Matt Godden, who has started life in a Peterborough shirt fantastically (unfortunately.) In the region of £2 million is their income for both players. Dino has bought sensibly, patching up what is needed, ensuring a strong all-round squad. On Tuesday night, signing from Colchester United Kurtis Guthrie slotted in a 22-minute hat-trick. Last Saturday, Michael Timlin was sent off as they lost 2-0 to Yeovil Town. He will be a big miss in this weekend's tie. Paul Farman between the sticks has been a sensible bit of business. The pairing of Ronnie Henry and Scott Cuthbert in the heart of the defence is a solid partnership for this level. Nearly 32, Joel Byrom is a fantastic player for League Tow, he will make things tick this season when fit. Alex Revell is an experienced head up-front and fresh from a new contract, Danny Newton seems to be getting better with age and will aim for near 20 goals this season if he is given a run in the team. Left-back Joe Martin recently joined Bristol Rovers on loan for 4 months, who has been kept out of the side by former-U Johnny Hunt.
We all remember the chants of "Dino, what's the score?" in that fascinating away tie in April, he'll be determined to put things right. He has recently issued a "rally cry.. I know how much it means to the fans. And to me. We've got to play with passion and courage" A big derby atmosphere is vital too. "Hopefully we'll see a good crowd. I want the town of Stevenage to come together and get behind the team." No doubt the travelling faithful will make themselves heard. As always.
What do the bookies think?
According to Sky Bet, a United away win is 9/4, a draw is 23/10 and a home win is 6/5. A decent punt very well may be 2-1 United, which is a reasonable 10/1.Stevenage away is always a fantastic away day. 10x better when we win, of course. It certainly will be a real morale-booster and could very well be the start of a successful run for United. You can catch me and my views on Twitter @Mizono2000, not like you'd want to though! And you can read my new column in the matchday programme each home game where I go from A to Z of Cambridge United cult-heroes and obscurity.
Up the U's!
Owen Mizon
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