Cambridge United host Bolton Wanderers on Tuesday night in a game which could be considered a potential banana skin for the away side.
Although the two teams are separated by 23 points in the leagues currently, it is by no means a given that Bolton return to Greater Manchester with all three points.
Despite sitting third in the league, Bolton have won just one of their last four matches which has seen them lose ground to both Portsmouth and Derby County in the title fight. Although they may be struggling to win games at the minute, Ian Evatt’s side are in fact unbeaten in their last six and represent a tough task for Cambridge.
That being said, Cambridge’s confidence will be boosted by their dominant 4-0 victory over Carlisle United at the weekend. That was the club’s largest victory of the season in a year where goals have been somewhat hard to come by. Manager Neil Harris will be hoping that game was not a one-off and will be expecting another good performance.
It’s a must-win game for Bolton, and with neither of the top-two playing in midweek, it represents the ideal opportunity to close the gap to the top. A win would see them go within six points of leaders Portsmouth with two games still in hand and the fight for the title seems to still have plenty more twists in the tale as a result.
Expect an intriguing affair, and here’s three things to look out for as Cambridge host Bolton on Tuesday night…
An attacking Bolton side
As previously mentioned, it is simply a must-win game for Bolton if they want to keep their title hopes alive. Although they’re not losing games at the minute, they have drawn three of their last four and have lost some ground in the title race as a result.
This is one of their games in hand over the top two and represents the ideal opportunity to put out a bit of a statement if they are able to win. Despite being the away side, an attacking, on the front foot performance is expected given their situation in the league.
Their defence may have not been quite as strong in recent weeks as it was in the latter stages of 2023, but they do easily possess the firepower to outscore their opposition.
The same starting 11 for Cambridge
Cambridge’s performance on Saturday was arguably their best of the season and as a result, Neil Harris is likely to put out the same side as he fielded for their game against Carlisle.
He’s certainly experimented a fair bit since taking the reigns in early December but may have just now found his regular starting eleven. Bolton obviously represent a far sterner task, however plenty of positives can be taken from the U’s performance on Saturday. If able to replicate that performance then they may well be able to earn something from this game.
Aaron Collins stepping-up
Collins was the Wanderers’ marquee signing of the January transfer window having joined from Bristol Rovers on deadline day for a reported £750,000 fee. He has made four appearances for the club so far and has one assist in those four games. He’ll be eager to get on the scoresheet and this may just be the opportunity.
With Dion Charles potentially missing the clash, Collins may well be the focal point of the attack, which should increase his goalscoring chances. He’ll no doubt turn out to be a great signing for Bolton, but will be wanting to repay his transfer fee with a couple of important goals in the run-in this season.
