The U's visit Northwich Victoria on Saturday for the final league game of an exciting season, having secured a play-off place with Tuesday's win against second-placed Torquay United at the Abbey.
Burton Albion and Exeter City make up the other four teams in the play-offs but the final positions have yet to be decided; all will be settled by Saturday's fixtures, which kick off at 5.15pm
We're rated at 11/8 to grab three vital points, with the Vics at 17/10 for the win and the draw at 23/10, and if you don't fancy those odds there's a host of other betting opportunities on offer, including First Goalscorer and Scorecast. Click here for all the match odds.
Team News
Midfielder Paul Carden returns from a two-match automatic suspension and he is due to be included in the starting line-up to top up his match fitness before the play-off semi-final matches.
Also expected to start is fellow Accrington Stanley loanee Lee McEvilly, who made his comeback on Tuesday after five weeks out with an ankle injury. He played for the whole second half and he is pencilled in for around an hour's action tomorrow to continue his return to match fitness.
"I think he needs to get a start because the game is at its peak at the start so we're looking to start him on Saturday," commented assistant manager Willy Wordsworth. "He was still stiff and sore on Wednesday but he went for a run and was OK, and he trained again yesterday so we'll make a decision on him after training today.
"It's good to have him back," he added. "He gives us a different outlet and he's good in both boxes, defending set pieces and attacking set pieces. It means we have to decide who to leave out but it's a nice headache to have!"
Wordsworth is preparing the team in place of Jimmy Quinn, whose wife is due to give birth, and the U's assistant manager revealed that "two or three" players would be rested on Saturday. One of those is likely to be Lee Boylan, who took a knock on his knee when helping to set up Mark Beesley's second goal on Tuesday.
Saturday is Robbie Willmott's final opportunity to start a match in his first season after making several 'impact' appearances from the bench, and Wordsworth commented, "We're certainly thinking about it but we haven't made a decision yet.
"Robbie's been patient, as has Josh (Coulson) and Josh has had a few games, but we haven't decided yet who's starting. The whole squad is travelling on Saturday because it's our last game and there will be a big support there, which has been brilliant this year and the players and management certainly appreciate it."
A decision about the formation and system will also be made on Friday but Wordsworth confirmed that the team is comfortable with either the 3-5-2 system or a flat back four: "We played three at the back with success in the early part of the season and I know we've surprised one or two recently by playing with a four.
"We're lucky enough that the Gaffer can do that and we've got the players who can adapt to different systems."
Leo Fortune-West's loan at York City will finish after Saturday's fixtures and he will return to Cambridge on Monday. Both McEvilly and Carden's loans include the play-offs but Magno Vieira's loan from Crawley is due to finish after Saturday's match.
The Opposition
Northwich Victoria completed a remarkable escape from relegation when they secured their BSP status with a win at Stevenage on Tuesday, and will be looking to finish the season in style in front of their relieved home supporters.
They had to wait until the end of October for their first league win, but new manager Dino Maamria has overseen a remarkable recovery and a string of wins and draws during February and March eased them away from the bottom, culminating in Tuesday's win at Stevenage.
With four wins and two draws in their last six home games the Vics will be confident and Wordsworth knows they must not be underestimated.
"We'll set our stall out to win at Northwich. They're a well organised side since Dino took over and they've done very well, but it's about who wants it most. On the day, if you defend right and do the right things we'll be all right. The main thing is to play without any fear.
"It's the Gaffer's former club and we're glad they're safe," he added, "but we're looking to win. They'll want to put one over on their old Gaffer and we want to win it for our Gaffer so it should be a good game.
"And don't forget players are playing for their places so there's still plenty at stake," he concluded.
More Information
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