Third-placed Stevenage make the short trip to Abbey Stadium to face Second-placed Cambridge United in an exciting local derby…
Stevenage have kicked off the 2023/24 campaign in superb fashion, picking up league victories against Northampton and Shrewsbury without conceding a goal. Amidst that, Boro knocked Watford out of the Carabao Cup after a dramatic penalty shootout to boost confidence in the camp.
Two new additions to the squad were announced yesterday as left-back Reece Hannam and defensive midfielder Harrison Neal added to the strength in depth to Steve Evans’ side. Hannam joins after making several appearances on trial in pre-season and Neal signs on loan from Premier League side Sheffield United.
Opposition Lowdown
Cambridge United finished just one point above the relegation zone in League One last season and were looking for vast improvements ahead of the 2023/24 campaign. So far, they’ve had a dream start, picking up 2-0 victories against Oxford United and Fleetwood in their opening two games as they sit second in the table.
Striker Gassan Ahadme signed for The U’s on loan from Ipswich this summer and has immediately impressed the Cambridge faithful, grabbing a goal in both of their opening league games. Paul Digby will be a familiar face for Stevenage, having previously made twenty appearances for Boro in the 2019/20 campaign. He is likely to appear in midfield tonight after grabbing himself a goal on Saturday.
Cambridge have so far prided themselves in having less of the possession but more of the goals. They had just 30% possession against Oxford United and 34% possession against Fleetwood, with both games ending 2-0 in Cambridge’s favour.
The Manager
Mark Bonner has been at Cambridge United for twelve years, working in several positions in the academy and first-team. In March 2020, he was named permanent head coach and achieved promotion from League Two in his first full season at the club. In his 177 games in charge, he has earned himself a win-percentage of 40.68.
The Stadium
Cambridge United have played their home games at Abbey Stadium since 1932. The ground holds a capacity of 7,937, with a record attendance of 14,000 being set in a friendly against Chelsea. Away Supporters are typically housed in The South Stand. The stadium is a twenty-five-minute walk from Cambridge Rail Station which has regular train services to and from Stevenage.
Officials
Will Finnie has been appointed Match Referee for tonight’s match with Oliver Bickle and Declan O’Shea as Assistants and Carl Brook as Fourth Official. Finnie has dished out thirteen yellow cards and one red in his opening three games of the campaign.
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