Paul Digby is at risk of suspension should he pick up a yellow card during the match, while striker Joe Ironside is expected to lead the attack for Cambridge. Saikou Janneh may be preferred to James Brophy on the left flank, while Shilow Tracey could be given an opportunity in attacking midfield against Grimsby. For the visitors, they may look to field a relatively strong side as they target a cup upset at the Abbey Stadium this weekend.
Manager Mark Bonner has a challenge on his hands to secure their league status, with his side winning just one match in their last five attempts in all competitions. Their last victory came in the FA Cup first round against Curzon Ashton, where the Yellows needed penalties to book their place in round two, following two dismal 0-0 draws against National League North opposition in the first match and subsequent first-round replay. Last season, Cambridge managed to carry themselves to the fourth round of the competition with some impressive results, notably a 1-0 triumph over Newcastle United, before crashing out in the next stage to Luton Town. Bonner will hope his side can muster some inspiration from their 2021-22 cup exploits as they look to turn their shaky season around starting on Saturday.
I spoke to Steve Schumacher recently and he spoke about Grimsby and how well they played that day. “They’re a very hard running team, a real high pressing team, will get the ball into forward areas and make you defend your box, and can counter-attack well. All the statistics lead towards them being that kind of team, they’ve flipped the shape in recent games and gone to a back three, but they have some flexibility around how they might play. ” Bonner is feeling reeling pressure from his own supporters for what is likely the first time since taking over at Cambridge in 2020.
Cambridge chief's Grimsby praise with both teams needing momentum-boosting winMark Bonner has given credit to Grimsby Town’s aggressive, high-pressure style of play ahead of the Mariners' FA Cup second-round tie away at Cambridge United on Saturday. Both teams will be desperate for a positive performance and result, with neither in great form heading into the game, but it is especially pertinent for Bonner and his players who find themselves in the relegation mix in League One.
Grimsby travel to the Abbey Stadium in an inconsistent run of form, finding themselves 16th in the League Two standings with Paul Hurst at the helm. Nevertheless, a thumping 5-1 victory over Plymouth Argyle meant the Mariners secured progress to the second round of the cup, which they will look to build on away to Cambridge this weekend. They have only won one match in their last six encounters, but managed to gain a 1-1 draw against Stevenage last weekend thanks to a 91st-minute Niall Maher equalising effort. Positively, Grimsby have already surpassed their efforts in the 2021-22 FA Cup, when they were defeated 1-0 by Kidderminster Harriers in the first round proper. Hurst will be eyeing a shock result to take them into the third round of the competition, where a potential glamour tie could await should they get the better of Cambridge. Cambridge United FA Cup form: Cambridge United form (all competitions): Grimsby Town FA Cup form: Grimsby Town form (all competitions): Team News Hosts Cambridge will be without midfielder Adam May, who is ruled out for the tie with a long-term cruciate ligament injury.
Nine defeats in their last 12 and without a league goal at home for over 10 hours of football for Cambridge, which makes Town’s current issues look minor but both teams recognise the importance of Saturday’s clash for momentum and also for a chance of a great day out for their supporters at a big club. READ MORE: Paul Hurst's John McAtee concerns for Cambridge United tie after forward misses training “They [Grimsby Town] have a very good away record, ” said Bonner. “A very good defensive record as well, and I thought the result and performance against Plymouth (5-1) were outstanding.
Max Crocombe is likely to continue in goal, while Niall Maher will continue following his heroics against Stevenage. Keyendrah Simmonds could be promoted to a starting position up front at the expense of Otis Khan. Brendan Kiernan could pick up a suspension if he is booked during proceedings. Cambridge United possible starting lineup:Mannion; Williams, Okedina, Jones, Dunk; Simper, Digby; Janneh, Tracey, Knibbs; Ironside Grimsby Town possible starting lineup:Crocombe; Waterfall, Maher, Smith; Efete, Clifton, Morris, Green, Amos; McAtee, Simmonds We say: Cambridge United 1-0 Grimsby Town In a match that could help to turn round the fortunes of both Cambridge and Grimsby, we expect a cagey affair as both sides are low on confidence due to recent results.
Cambridge United vs Grimsby Town Live Streams & H2H Stats
On this occasion, Cambridge will do just enough to book their place in the third round of the FA Cup. For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here. Top tip Our expert tipster partners at Sporita. com are predicting under 3. 5 goals in this match.
Cambridge United – Grimsby Town: Live score, updates and