Cambridge United build up for season opener

Cambridge United will start the League One season at home to Wigan on Saturday 15th August at 3pm. For over two months, it has been confirmed that the U's will make their return to League One football, but after a long summer and a multitude of changes at the club the league campaign will start. 46 game weeks, four competitions and two derby days await Cambridge United fans. The wait is finally over U's fans. An almost sold-out Abbey Stadium will welcome the players for the first league game in over two months.

Wigan preview

After bringing in close to eight new signings this summer, Wigan will rely on youth and character as only one new signing is above the age of 25. However, they lost three keepers, two centre backs, two right backs and a left back. Wigan replaced the departures with one left back, one centre back and one right back. Depth and inexperience are lacking in this Wigan team, which could allow Cambridge United's more experienced players to thrive in the season opener.

What to expect this season from Wigan

Since dropping to League One, Wigan have recorded a best finish of 12th and have remained a midtable club. They have lacked star power, flair, consistency and hunger to perform at a higher level. Wigan have won the last two fixtures between the teams, with a 1-0 home win on Saturday 8th March 2025 courtesy of a Luke Robinson goal late on. United also lost 2-1 in the FA Cup at home to Wigan after Njoku gave us the lead with 10 minutes to go but Aasgaard took it to extra time, which saw a 119th minute winner from Jonny Smith. That was the first time that Wigan had beaten United at the Abbey, and Harris won't be looking to repeat that.

Cambridge United news

New goalkeeper Gabriel Breeze has a gash, so will likely be out for the Wigan game and will spend this year acclimatising with the squad and new city before taking the no.1 spot from Eastwood next season as his contract runs out. Breeze put pen to paper on a three-year deal after making 84 appearances for boyhood club Carlisle United in both the EFL and National League. At just 22 years of age, Breeze brings in great experience for his age with plenty more growth ahead of him.

Credit: Cambridge United website

Injury news

Gassan Ahadme won't make his return to the squad against Wigan as he is still out with an injury; however, he will be back from next week at the earliest. Kaikai is "possibly" ready to start games, as per Neil Harris. Kaikai will likely come off the bench in the opening handful of fixtures to make sure he is able to play consistently throughout the 46-game season. "We are getting healthier" said Neil Harris on the fitness of the squad ahead of the season.

Vice captain unannounced

Neil Harris hasn't decided on a vice captain and will make the decision whenever Dom Ball comes off the pitch. It won't be formally announced, which indicates a potential situational vice captain scenario throughout the season depending on who is on the pitch and what's needed. Mpanzu, Bauer and McLoughlin were all talked about as having the qualities needed to take the armband.

Fan prediction

As per our poll on Facebook, 60% of Cambridge United fans predict the club will finish between 15th and 20th, with only 3% predicting relegation. A staggering 7% have predicted a top 7 finish and a modest 28% predict a finish between 8th and 14th. All will be confirmed in May 2027, but with most of the fanbase predicting survival at the minimum it's now up to the players to make it happen.