SportsMall previews Saturday's League One clash between Cambridge United and Wigan Athletic, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.
Still searching for their first victory of the season in League One, the basement club Cambridge United welcome Wigan Athletic to Abbey Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The Latics are looking to extend their unbeaten streak to five games, as the U's hope to end their nine-game unbeaten streak at home.
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Cambridge are one of three teams from across the EFL and one of two League One teams, along with Burton Albion, still searching for their first league win of the 2024-25 season.
The U have lost eight of their first nine games, conceding a league-low six goals in the process, and have lost each of their last six games, earning their only point of the campaign in a dramatic 4-4 draw. Blackpool in August, a match they lost 3-1 with half an hour remaining.
Cambridge have failed to win in their last 15 league games (D4 L11), the EFL's longest unbeaten run while in charge. gary the monk He has won just 8.7% of his 23 matches in charge since his appointment in March, winning two, drawing six and losing 15 in all competitions.
Few will be surprised to see Cambridge lose 1-0 to Rotherham United on October 5. League One table With them already trapped within seven points from safety, the pressure increases on Monk to turn around the club's fortunes.
Interestingly, the last time Cambridge celebrated a victory in any competition was in April, when they beat Saturday's opponents Wigan 3-1 at home; in fact, the U's have won two of their last three league games against Wigan. In their previous 15 games (E8 L5).
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He has gone on a seven-match unbeaten run in all competitions under Wigan. Shaun MaloneyAlthough four games ended in 0-0 draws.
In fact, the Latics have the best defensive record in League One, having only conceded five goals, kept seven clean sheets and have not conceded a single goal in over 540 minutes in their last six games.
Wigan's defense also held firm in Tuesday's 2-0 win over fourth-placed Carlisle United in the EFL Trophy, with the Latics facing no shots on goal and scoring in the first half. josh stones AND Michael Olakibe Maloney's men earned maximum points to advance to second place in Group C.
Three consecutive League One games against Cambridge, Mansfield Town and Blackpool are now on the horizon for Wigan, who are currently 15th in the table but just three points off the top seven.
Wigan, who have won just four of their last 10 meetings with Cambridge and lost two of their nine away league visits to the Abbey Stadium (W2 L5), saw both teams score at least one goal in Saturday's match. .
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The Cambridge Guardian Kell Watts He is due to return to matchday action this weekend after recovering from a hamstring injury suffered during the international break. Geno Ibsen Rossi He could also appear after missing the last two games due to a back problem.
Shane Lavery (femur) and Gary Gardner (Achilles) Both have resumed light training but Saturday's game could be too soon for both and the same could be said. Josh Stokes (knee).
Goalie Vicente Reyes He returned from international duty with Chile on Thursday but is expected to be available for selection on Saturday.
As for Wigan, Joe Hughill AND Steven Sessegnon Returning to training only on Thursdays and Saturdays may come too soon for the couple. Lucas Chambers is doubtful and will be evaluated before the start.
Maloney said asamoah malays He will play “two or three more Under-21 games” before returning to the first team after intensifying his recovery from his injury. Luke Robinson – who has not played since April – is also approaching his return.
The Wigan coach has also confirmed it Diers François “He will start one of the next three games” because he is “very close to being ready.” Chris S. He returned to training after the international break after being removed from the first team due to “personal issues” and could be called up for this weekend's matchday.
Cambridge United probable starting lineup:
kings; Oketina, Rossi, Andrés; Bennett, Digby, Smith, Gibbons; Barton, Kaiki; Nalundulu
Probable starting lineup for Wigan Athletic:
Tickle; Carragher, Kerr, Aimson, Chambers; METRO. Blacksmith; Rankin, Weir, Asgard, McManaman; taylor
We say: Cambridge United 0-2 Wigan Athletic
Both teams have scored in each of the last 10 meetings between Cambridge and Wigan, with at least three goals scored in eight of those matches, so there could be another clash this weekend with plenty of action in goal.
However, it's hard to imagine League One's lowest scorers overcoming Cambridge Wigan's solid defensive line, the best in the division, so we're betting on the Latics to come out on top without a reply.
Click here to see data analysis of the most likely outcomes, scores and more for this match.
