Cambridge United welcome Burton Albion to the Abbey Stadium on Saturday (3pm) with just three points between the two sides.
A larger than average crowd is expected for this holiday fixture and supporters are urged to arrive earlier than usual to avoid long queues and potential delays before kick-off.
Team News
Jimmy Quinn opted for experience in our win against local rivals Histon on Boxing Day, and he is unlikely to make sweeping changes for what is sure to be another tightly-contested game at the Abbey.
He restored Michael Morrison to the starting line-up against Histon, after leaving the defender on the bench since December 1st due to his reluctance to sign a new contract.
Quinn used those games to introduce teenager Josh Coulson to the starting line-up, but after Wednesday's win he explained Morrison's return: "I wanted to bring young Josh (Coulson) out of the team for a rest while he was doing well. I didn't want to wait until he had a bad game where it would affect his confidence, and I've told him that.
"I just went for experience and I'm fortunate that I've got so many good centre halves. With the transfer window opening soon one or two teams might want to watch Michael Morrison and he's a good lad, he's got on with his training and he's sat on the bench for a few games, but he's gone out there and worked his socks off for the team.
"He didn't do himself any harm at all, and whilst he's here and whilst we're paying him I'll use him and he had a good game."
The players came through the Histon game unscathed despite it being a hotly-contested game, so Quinn has almost a full squad to choose from again and he revealed that he is trying to keep them as fresh as possible during this busy and important stage of the season.
"The lads had Christmas Day off because many of them travel in from a distance and I didn't want them sitting in a car for two or three hours on Christmas Day just to train for an hour or two. Apart from that, there are so many games at this time of year that we've got to make sure we get the balance right between training, playing and resting.
"We did our regular fitness testing a couple of weeks ago and we'll be doing it again just after the New Year. The lads won't get any fitter now, so it's important that in between playing and training they make sure they put their feet up, don't eat too much turkey, and make sure they're fit and ready for the games.
"We're keeping our training sessions short and sharp so the lads have enough in their bank for all the games in this very important period."
The Opposition
Burton arrive at the Abbey with 41 points and in fifth place, lying three points and two places behind the U's and no doubt seeking revenge for our 2-1 win at the Pirelli Stadium last month [report].
"When we went to their place a month ago it was a good game that we just managed to win, and I'm expecting another tight game tomorrow," warned Quinn.
"They're in a decent position in the league and they'll be coming here looking for points to close the gap on the leaders, just like we are, so once again I'm expecting nothing other than a close, tough game.
"Burton have some decent players, and although Daryl Clare has been out following an operation they have quite a few other players we'll need to keep an eye on, like Shaun Harrad who has done particularly well this year.
"But we're at home and we have a good home record so far this season so we want to keep that going."
With United having the only unbeaten home record in the Blue Square Premier, and Burton the only unbeaten away record, tomorrow looks set to be a fascinating encounter.
More Information
Learn more about Burton in Doug Shulman's "The Other Side" preview, and if you fancy a bet on our match or any other event this weekend please follow this link to visit our official betting partners bet365 - the only place where your online betting makes money for the U's.
Make Your Click Count For The U's - talk about it on the Message Board!
You are respectfully reminded that any article, as with all content on this website, unless otherwise stated, is subject to copyright © and the Official Cambridge United Website must be acknowledged as the original source including all quotes.
AT071228
