Crawley Town vs Cambridge United

Cambridge United travel down the M25 to fellow relegation rivals Crawley Town for a 3pm kick off. The hosts have managed 2 wins since the turn of the new year, beating Mansfield 1-0 and Stevenage 3-1. 5 points from their last possible 15 sit them 22nd in the League. As for Cambridge United following the change in management are 3 points from a possible 3 following a 2-0 win against Stockport County. The U's sit dead last in 24th on 26 points but with a win against Crawley and a Shrewsbury loss could see Harris' side shoot up to 22nd. Crawley have been poor at home having won just 4 games and gaining 17 points at Broadfield. Unfortunately, Cambridge United have only won once in the league when on the road; adding only 7 points to their total when not at the Abbey.

Crawley have scored 32 of their 36 league goals from open play, showing the intent of Rob Elliot and his staff. Will Swan will cause issues for the U's backline having netted 7 times this season in League One for the first time in his career. Eliot's side lined up with a back 3 last time out against Blackpool, aiming to keep the opposition stretched with their wide players in Swan and Forster. Crawley concede on average 1.8 goals per game which sit them joint 22nd with Peterborough and Cambridge United. Crawley also average 55.7% of the ball which sits them 3rd in League One, only being behind Bolton Wanderers and Birmingham City. Despite the high possession they find themselves in a relegation scrap having scored 36 goals and keeping 6 clean sheets.

Cambridge United, following their crucial win vs Stockport County will be aiming to make it 2 wins from 2 under new boss Neil Harris. Last time out Cambridge United had 40% possession but managed to convert both shots that were on target into goals through loanee Josh Stokes. Harris is clearly happy to allow the opposition to keep the ball, with his full trust in his back 4 to keep a clean sheet. This has only happened 5 times this season. Most recently last Saturday in their 2-0 win vs Stockport. Cambridge United fans will be in fine voice once again having sold out the away allocation. Since the appointment of Harris and Bonner positivity has been flowing through player, staff and fans. Nlundulu is aiming to be back for this tie, however it is likely that his minutes will be limited as he recovers from injury. Nlundulu is expected to be integral to the way Harris plays. That being said Loft's form has improved dramatically in recent times so the Cambridge no.9 will have to prove his way into the starting XI.

A close game is to be expected but with the momentum that the U's have it's hard to discourage it. We predict a 2-1 win with Stokes and Kachunga both adding to their goal tally for the U's, however John-Jules will also score for Crawley.