MATCH PREVIEW: LUTON TOWN
Cambridge United travel to Kenilworth Road this afternoon searching for their first win in three matches, with over 1,000 U’s fans joining Shaun Derry’s side for the highly anticipated Sky Bet League Two clash against Luton Town.
Following a profitable end to 2015, the U’s are still searching for their first win of 2016 after back-to-back defeats at the hands of AFC Wimbledon and Crawley Town last Saturday.
However, United were boosted in the week by the arrival of Portsmouth midfielder James Dunne as well as the return of Ben Williamson, who signed a permanent deal with the club having played a key role in a six game unbeaten run whilst on loan with the club.
Shaun Derry also hinted earlier in the week that Ryan Donaldson could potentially be involved in this afternoon’s match day squad, having made good progress with the ankle injury he sustained in Dagenham on Boxing Day. Whilst Cameron Gayle and Greg Taylor both remain unavailable for the fixture.
Although the hosts Luton Town will also be vying for their first win since a 3-2 victory over Exeter City before Christmas, the Bedfordshire outfit will certainly approach the game with fire in the bellies, having announced new Manager Nathan Jones at the helm last week.
A break for Luton last Saturday means Jones’ first game in charge falls against the U’s today, and equipped with the likes of Craig Mackail-Smith, Cameron McGeehan and Josh McQuoid among others, the new man in charge has plenty in his armoury.
The Hatters took the spoils 3-1 when the sides met earlier this season at the Abbey Stadium, so the U’s will certainly be looking to avenge that result as well as finding a return to winning ways in order to kick start the New Year.
Looking ahead to the match, Manager Shaun Derry said: “It’s a mouth-watering game to be involved in, both for the players and the supporters.
“We look at every game as an opportunity to promote the messages that we have given to the squad during the week. Information is drip-fed daily and now we are looking for a positive response.
“The boys have driven the sessions in training this week, which suggests they not only believe in the messages we are giving them but believe in themselves.”
Meanwhile Mark Roberts added: “It’s a game we are really looking forward especially after the disappointment of the last two games, we are determined to get back to winning ways.
“There is no better place than Luton away to go and do that.
“They have some high quality individuals and a good team so they’ll be looking to produce a reaction for the new manager but we have to be ready for that.”