Cambridge United
The U’s are at home this week in somewhat of a derby, maybe more by circumstance than by rivalry, but Colchester are the travelling team. Cambridge will be looking to bounce back after a hectic midweek display against Doncaster, in a game that had everything except a fairy tale ending Derry will have seen positives in the 3-2 defeat. Uche Ikpeazu remains sidelined but Derry was coy on other injury problems, not confirming whether a certain Barry Corr would be available, he is having a late fitness test this week.
The U’s will be looking for a reaction from that midweek game, conceding three goals in poor fashion it wouldn’t be surprising to see a change at the back. Roberts and Legge have been mainstays of recent weeks but perhaps O’Neil could drop back into what is a more natural position for him and let Dunne and Lewis run the midfield. The clearest issue is in attack where the current system is not working with the players available. It is quite clear Williamson is not a lone striker who can take the ball out of the air like Uche or Corr do, it isn’t helping him or the fans frustrations putting him in this position. Derry has to find a way to make the team work without a target man or change formation, there were positive signs when Cambridge bought on McDonagh and put two men up top, both goals coming after this point. Over the last two games Derry has started both McDonagh and Williamson as lone strikers and neither have impressed, but together they looked much improved, Derry will have this on his mind and we may see two men up top come Saturday.
Colchester have had a mixed last six, with three wins and three defeats, draws aren’t normally on the cards for both these sides of late, but a draw may suit both sides in a way. Both teams sit just outside the play offs, still with a chance of making it in, both sides will be concerned to losing to a play off rival. I expect two similar teams to cancel each other out and play out a draw.
Cambridge City
City travel to Kings Langley in what can only be called a relegation six pointer. The Lilywhites fill the last relegation place and a win here could see them move level with their opponents, a remarkable goal swing could see them jump ahead as well. Back to back home draws and a win before that mean City haven’t lost in three, whilst not the most glamorous of runs it’s certainly helping their survival chances. Positive news in the week will increase moral as well, Matt Foy has extended his loan until the end of the season, the U’s youthful hit-man has made a solid impression so far, he flew out of the gates with a few goals and will be looking to continue that now he’s settled, and on Thursday, City signed Lee Stevenson from Kings Lynn Town, a player with plenty of experience to help the cause. Back the Lilywhites on this one, survival is on the way.
Histon FC
Hanwell Town travel to the Glassworlds this week. The reverse fixture ended in a draw earlier in the season and Histon will want to go one better at home. Simon Unwin and Ben Yeomans are both suspended for this game which is a blow to the Stutes but they have bought in some new players to boost the ranks. Hanwell sit in the top half of the table and will provide a stern test for the relegation threatened Stutes, time is beginning to run out but if they can replicate the form they had around Christmas time then anything is possible. A tough tie for Histon, they would probably take a point.
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Published by Matthew Robinson