Match Preview: U's vs Stags

The Cambridge United players in training

Cambridge United return to the Cledara Abbey Stadium for the first time in three weeks on Saturday and will hope to turn the corner in Sky Bet League One when they take on Mansfield Town…

How to Watch

Tickets are selling fast for this weekend’s encounter in CB5, with the televised match kicking off at the earlier time of 12:30pm.

Buy tickets online at cufctickets.com, over the phone by calling 01223 566500 (option 1) or by visiting the Ticket Office at the Cledara Abbey Stadium. All prices increase by £2 when buying in-person on the day.

Fans in the UK who are unable to attend can get behind the team from the comfort of their own home, with the action being shown live on Sky Sports+. Elsewhere, overseas supporters can also stream the game live on CUFC TV.

Opposition Focus

Formed in 1897 and admitted to the Football League in 1931, the Stags have remained a steady outfit over the years. After knocking on the door continuously, the visitors finally conquered the fourth division last time out – at the 11th time of asking – under the highly successful Nigel Clough, claiming 3rd position with an impressive 86 points. Since their promotion to the Football League in 2013, it had been coming, with two play-off finishes and two rankings of eighth in the previous six years. The ultimate aim this time around was survival, but thanks to the calibre, experience and versatility in their squad, they embark on the second half of the campaign looking up towards the heady heights of the table.

Currently, Mansfield sit in a healthy 11th position with just four points separating them from the play-off spots. While it’s possible, they’ll undoubtedly keep believing. The momentum from promotion certainly continued into 2024/25 as they picked up just the solitary defeat from their opening nine matches, which included a five-game winning streak stretching from August to early October. On the contrary, a sticky patch saw them lose five on the bounce during November, but they’ve since recorded four victories from their previous six to keep the optimism oozing in Nottinghamshire.

Last time out, veteran goalkeeper Scott Flinders clocked his 600th career appearance but the reliable Christy Pym should return from illness and reclaim his place. Clough has an array of defensive options at his disposal but could opt for the likes of 34-year-old Stephen McLaughlin, Elliott Hewitt, striker-turned-defender Jordan Bowery and Baily Cargill. Louis Reed, Hiram Boateng and Aaron Lewis form a robust trio in the centre of midfield, whereas former U George Maris will be looking to get off the mark for the season after his 17 goal involvements were instrumental in the fourth tier. Up top, Will Evans has slotted seamlessly into League One life following an excellent season at Newport County – he’s already on double digits and forms a strong partnership with either Lee Gregory or Lucas Akins, another forward with final third know-how.

Form Guide

  • 29/12/2024 – Reading 2-1 Mansfield Town – Sky Bet League One
  • 01/01/2025 – Mansfield Town 2-1 Bolton Wanderers – Sky Bet League One
  • 04/01/2025 – Stockport County 1-2 Mansfield Town – Sky Bet League One
  • 14/01/2025 – Mansfield Town 0-2 Wigan Athletic – Emirates FA Cup Third Round
  • 18/01/2025 – Mansfield Town 1-2 Wycombe Wanderers – Sky Bet League One

The Amber Angle

The U’s will be fired up and determined to build on last weekend’s 2-2 draw against Bolton Wanderers at the Toughsheet Community Stadium, where late drama denied what would have been a thoroughly-deserved first victory since early December.

An industrious start in Manchester was rewarded when Josh Stokes headed home the opener with just three minutes on the clock. Although John McAtee levelled matters, Elias Kachunga immediately put his side back ahead with his sixth of the season. It looked to be enough to separate the outfits as the U’s continued to show more grit and determination, but an unfortunate own goal at the death forced a share of the spoils.

Summarising his men’s display, Garry Monk stated: “I stand here disappointed but I’m proud of that performance. I’ve said it all along, there’s been quite a few games this season where the small margins have gone against us, but the performances have been at a good level to be in the game and get points.

“That’s the level that we need to produce and you can see that everyone is fighting to get out of the situation.”

Form Guide

  • 26/12/2024 – Charlton Athletic 2-1 Cambridge United – Sky Bet League One
  • 29/12/2024 – Leyton Orient 2-0 Cambridge United – Sky Bet League One
  • 01/01/2025 – Cambridge United 1-3 Reading – Sky Bet League One
  • 04/01/2025 – Cambridge United 0-1 Bristol Rovers – Sky Bet League One
  • 18/01/2025 – Bolton Wanderers 2-2 Cambridge United – Sky Bet League One

Team News

Following lengthy lay-offs, the U’s will be boosted by the news that both Paul Digby and James Gibbons will be available for selection on Saturday. It’s a match too soon for Jubril Okedina, who has been pencilled in to return next week, whereas a knee ligament injury has forced Korey Smith to be sidelined for up to ten weeks.

Head-to-Head

  • Cambridge United Wins: 15
  • Mansfield Town Wins: 20
  • Draws: 13

Last Time We Met

Saturday 14th September 2024 – Mansfield Town 2-1 Cambridge United – Sky Bet League One

The first meeting between the sides as third tier members resulted in a closely-fought 2-1 victory for the Stags back in September, who continued their promising early season form and extended Cambridge’s winless start. The game script went right up to plan up until the 40th minute when Lee Gregory struck home the opener, but the visitors’ response was encouraging, and they levelled matters early in the second half when Emmanuel Longelo rifled home. Momentum was in the U’s favour, but the experienced Gregory was the difference, sealing the points with a stunning curler. The line-up on that afternoon: Reyes, Ibsen Rossi, Digby, Andrew, Bennett, Smith, Brophy, Longelo, Barton, Stokes, Lavery.

Officials

  • Referee: Thomas Parsons
  • Assistant Referee: David Harrison
  • Assistant Referee: Adrian Tranter
  • Fourth Official: Carl Brook