Cambridge United travel to Stevenage today for our second match there this month, this time for the first leg of our Play-off semi-final (kick off 7.30pm).
United are paired with fifth-placed Boro and travel in search of our first win against them this season, after leading from the third minute at home on Boxing Day but seeing Boro take two points with their stoppage time penalty, then losing 2-1 at the Lamex Stadium three weeks ago.
The U's finished second with 86 points from our 46 games while Stevenage finished five points and three places behind, but their home advantage and good form sees Boro named as 6/5 favourites with our online betting partners bet365, the draw is 11/5, while the U's are 12/5 for the win. Click here for all the match odds including some generous match specials.
Team News
Gary Brabin's main doubt before the match is winger Andy Parkinson, who has been ill and missed a few days training this week, while Courtney Pitt returned to action in the second half on Sunday after a hamstring problem.
The U's boss believes his men have already bounced back from the disappointment of the 0-0 draw against a defensive Altrincham side on Sunday, and they are fully focused on the matches against Stevenage: "Obviously we were disappointed to lose out on the title but it was a big ask to beat any team in this league four-nil, and certainly against a dogged side like Altrincham who came determined to defend.
"But everyone has been in good spirits and the atmosphere in training has been really good," he said. "The lads are all focused on training and the play-off matches, which are like two cup finals. You have to be switched on for the play-offs and take your chances in these games.
"Experience helps, but I think so does a little bit of youthful enthusiasm. We have a good blend of youth and experience in the squad and I'm confident we can do well. We have to concentrate on our strengths and their weaknesses over the two games, and channel all the pressure and aggression the right way."
Although having half an eye on Monday's game, Brabin is concentrating mainly on today's game and admitted he is delighted with the squad and its strength in depth.
"Everyone is fully prepared and the lads are all chomping at the bit, and the lads with the shirts at the moment are looking over their shoulders at the people who are performing every day in training. Some of our best performers in training are the lads who are on the bench at the moment and that's a real spur for the lads who are in the jersey," he added.
Today's match is all-ticket for United supporters and if you do not have a match ticket you are advised not to travel. [Latest ticket news]
The Opposition
Having already secured a place in the FA Trophy final, Stevenage are hoping to overcome United over the two legs to book a second date at Wembley next month.
14-goal forward Mitchell Cole, who scored that stoppage time penalty at the Trade Recruitment Stadium in December, will miss both legs after his second off on Sunday but Gary Brabin played down the winger's absence.
"We've had the same problems during the season - it's part and parcel of football. We've suffered with injuries and suspensions to key players too, especially earlier in the season when we were without the likes of Andy Parkinson and Courtney Pitt, and now Mark Beesley, and Mitchell Cole is a good player but they have a good squad of players.
"They're a big, strong side who have gathered some momentum lately and they're one of the form sides in the league. They have a good attacking four with their wide men and strikers, but we have to focus on ourselves and our strengths."
Brabin does not believe that the results earlier in the season will have a bearing on the play-off matches, and feels the two teams will go into today's match 'psychologically evenly balanced'.
"Their management have been in this position before, they've got a lot of strength and experience and we're expecting another tough game, but I'm sure they feel the same about us," he said.
"We've played them twice this season and taken a point from the two games. We drew at home in the first game after dominating the whole game but they got a penalty in stoppage time, and in the away game we did everything but score so we can take plenty of positives from those games.
"We're working very hard, and with our brilliant support behind us, and if we conduct ourselves in the way I know we can then I'm confident we can get the right result."
Further Information
Read more about Stevenage Borough in Matt Gooding's 'The Other Side' article here, directions and Away Travel details are here, 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 place where your online betting makes money for the U's.
The Ticket Office is open from 9am to 5pm on Friday, and 10am to 2pm on Saturday and Sunday for sales of tickets for Monday's home second leg, which is all-ticket. Tickets go on general sale at 9am Friday and may be purchased in person or by telephone on 01223 566500 (option 1).
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