Mark Bonner’s men welcome Bolton Wanderers to the Abbey looking to build on last Saturday’s emphatic win over Burton Albion…
Following their aggressive approach in the transfer market, Ian Evatt's men have seamlessly adjusted to life back in the third tier, going unbeaten in their opening four games.
- Form
Despite falling short in the capital on Tuesday night in the Carabao Cup, the U’s return to the Abbey this weekend off the back of an encouraging start to their first season back in the third tier for almost two decades – having picked up points in three of their opening four League One fixtures. Two draws and a victory last weekend against Burton, who had boasted a 100% record prior to the game, means the U’s sit in the middle of the table.
The Trotters’ fine form from the end of the last season has continued into this campaign, with Ian Evatt’s men going unbeaten in their opening four games – even more impressively winning their last two against two of last season’s League One play-off participants Oxford and Lincoln. Bolton’s only real taste of defeat this season came in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night, as their Lancashire rivals Wigan Athletic celebrated progression on penalties, after the game ended as a stalemate.
Wanderers boast the best goalscoring record in the division, having scored nine goals in their opening four league outings, with summer recruits Josh Sheehan and Oladapo Afolayan hitting the ground running in League One, both scoring two goals. EFL veteran Eoin Doyle has also, as many predicted would, chipped in with two goals also.
- Memory Lane
Ian Evatt’s men are welcomed to the Abbey in what will be the 16th competitive fixture between the two clubs. Despite it not being a regular fixture in recent years, the U's and Trotters battled it out regularly throughout the early 80's in the old League Divison Two.
Bolton have the edge over the U’s when it comes to head-to-head fixtures, winning six of 15 fixtures between both sides – with United coming out on top on three occasions.
Having been promoted together last season, the U’s last welcomed Bolton to the Abbey only 10 months ago, with Ian Evatt’s men coming back from a goal down to deny United the three points. More recently, in their last outing together, Bolton took the spoils at the University of Bolton Stadium, with Kyle Knoyles late finish only proving to be a consolation as the Trotters ran out 2-1 winners.
- Quick Quotes
Mark Bonner is anticipating a tough test aginst a strong Bolton side on Saturday, “Ian Evatt has done a good job, They have got a real identity about how they play, it is obvious they want to go out and attack games, we saw that in the early games with two 3-3 draws but since then they have had a couple of good results, beating some strong sides – we will have to be the best version of ourselves with and without the ball to be competitive in the game but we know what they are, and we know what we are, we know we are able to play in different ways and we are in a good space ourselves - we want to keep the momentum up this weekend."
Ian Evatt equally is ecpecting a challenge against Cambridge, "It’ll be a difficult task as it always is at Cambridge. They have a bit of real quality in Wes Hoolahan who I played with, but we need to go into the game looking to implement our own game plan to try to win the game."
- The Officials
Tom Neild has been appointed referee for this Saturday’s game, with Matthew Smith and James Vallance as his assistants. Ryan Whitaker will be the fourth official. Neild’s last outing came on Tuesday night, as he officiated QPR’s win over Oxford United in the Second Round of the Carabao Cup.
- How to Watch
The clash kicks off at 3pm, with tickets available online, over the phone by calling 01223 566500 (option 1) or by visiting the Abbey Stadium Ticket Office on Saturday.
Please note, only fans with previous purchase history prior to 1st May 2021 can buy from CUFCDirect.com, but all supporters can buy tickets by calling or visiting the Ticket Office.
Save money by purchasing your tickets in-advance of the fixture, as all prices increase by £2 when buying in-person on the day of the game. Please view advance prices below:
| Advance Match Ticket Prices | Newmarket Rd/North Habbin | Main Stand Family Enclosures | Main Stand Blocks B, E, F & AC 1, 2 | Main Stand Blocks C & D |
| Adult | £18 | £19 | £22 | £24 |
| Concessions* | £14 | £14 | £17 | £20 |
| Under 18 | £8 | £8 | £10 | £18 |
| Under 12 | £5 | £5 | £5 | N/A |
| Wheelchair Disabled | £15 |
Ambulant Disabled supporters in receipt of higher level disability living allowance pay their relevant age category with a Carer Free of Charge, whilst the Wheelchair Disabled price also included the admission of a Free Carer Ticket, if required.
*Concessions = Seniors (64+), Young Adults (18-23), Serving or Retired Armed Forces and Full-Time Students
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