Cambridge United return to the newly renamed Abbey Stadium to face Newport County A.F.C. for the second time in 13 days, looking to bounce back in Sky Bet League Two and move closer to the top seven.
Shaun Derry’s men will be keen to avenge the 2-0 result at Rodney Parade earlier this month, that ended United’s journey in the Emirates FA Cup at the Second Round stage. However, the U’s will be looking to extend an unbeaten home record against the Exiles that stretches back to February 1985.
With just two defeats in their last seven League fixtures, United are only three points off the play-off places and can make significant progress approaching the hectic Christmas schedule with a win over Newport, who sit directly above the U’s in the League ladder.
Gary Deegan and David Amoo will miss the fixture through injury, whilst Uche Ikpeazu will also be out of action following his dismissal at Port Vale last weekend.
As for the visitors, they fought back to draw 3-3 against Carlisle United last Saturday positioning Michael Flynn’s men comfortably in mid-table and hot on the tails of the top seven.
Following their great escape from what seemed certain relegation last season, the Welsh outfit have more than steadied the ship and have become a real threat in Sky Bet League Two this season.
Shawn McCoulsky grabbed his eighth goal of the season in last week’s tussle with the Cumbrians to move himself one goal ahead of big Frank Nouble as the Exiles lead scorer for the 2017/18 season.
It was a brace from skipper Joss Labadie that caused United the damage at Rodney Parade two weeks’ ago, so the U’s will have plenty to keep check on if they are to continue building on their impressive clean sheet record.
FAMILIAR FACES
As well as former Cambridge United defender Wayne Hatswell in the Newport dug out, the Amber Army will also recognise ex-Academy starlet Robbie Willmott and former loanee Mickey Demetriou within the Exiles playing ranks.
Tickets for the game are available online at cufcdirect.com until 2:30pm, and in-store right up to kick off at 3:00pm.