Cambridge United visit Histon's Glass World Stadium for the second time this season, hoping for the same outcome as in December when the U's knocked the Stutes out of the FA Trophy.
United are currently in third place, having taken 60 points from 34 games, while Histon are second with 62 points from 31 games.
It's a quick return to action for both teams, with United following four consecutive away wins with a bruising 1-1 draw at home to Crawley on Saturday, while Histon won 3-0 at bottom club Lewes. The odds are close, with Histon at 5/4 and the U's at 11/5 with our online betting partners bet365 to win the match, while the draw is 9/4. Click here for all the match odds.
Team News
Gary Brabin has the same squad to select from, with the addition of young goalkeeper Aaron Grundy who signed non-contract terms today [article], and will be looking to build on a six match unbeaten run this evening.
However first he must check on the fitness of several players, including Chris Holroyd and Danny Potter, who suffered the ill-effects of fouls by Crawley players.
"We were booted from minute one and we've got a few who are battered and bruised, but we've been monitoring everybody and hopefully everyone's OK. We've prepared as normal and we'll see how they all are," said Brabin.
"We were a bit flat and tentative in the first half on Saturday and we conceded a silly goal and were chasing it after that, but I made some changes for the second half and we totally dominated and I think we were very unlucky not to get all three points."
United's equaliser came in the 82nd minute from a Courtney Pitt free kick, and the U's boss called for more moments of quality from the winger: "That's just what he needed. He's been working hard in training and he's been patient, and I want to get the best out of Courtney.
"He won't be playing for the sake of it; I need him to be at his best, and when he's on his best there's no better left winger in the league. He's done really well in the last couple of games and he's set standards he can't fall below, and I think he knows that."
Without revealing whether he will stick with the 4-3-3 formation that has served United well in recent games, or start with the same line-up that finished on Saturday, Brabin commented, "I'm just hoping to have a fully fit squad to choose from.
"I have options and I'll wait to see how everyone is before making a final decision, but this is the sort of game that everyone wants to play in and we're all looking forward to it."
Winger Andy Parkinson continued his return to match fitness by completing 90 minutes for development side CRC on Saturday, and midfielder Mark Convery closing in on some similar match practice for CRC before being available for a first team return.
The Opposition
United cross the A14 to face Histon in this match rearranged from New Year, and apart from the local rivalry enjoyed over the last two seasons it is also a hugely important game for both play-off chasing clubs.
Brabin commented, "It's a special occasion because it's a local derby and it's a massive game for both sides. We beat them there in a 'ding dong' battle in the cup, then drew at home when we should have won, so there's everything to play for."
Three points tonight could prove vital in the run-in to the end of the season, and he added, "Histon are a big, strong side and they're up there on merit, and tonight is second versus third in a local derby and you won't get much bigger than that in this league."
Histon have a doubt over Nathaniel Knight-Percival, who was injured a week ago against Eastbourne.
Further Information
You can learn more about the Red Devils in Doug Shulman's 'The Other Side' article here, and if you fancy a bet on our match or any other event this week please follow this link to visit our official betting partners bet365 - the place where your online betting makes money for the U's.
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