Promotion decider awaits travelling Amber Army

45 games, 38 weeks and 268 days since Cambridge United's League Two campaign began. For Cambridge United, there is a clear plan and focus on a win. With Salford and Notts County behind by 1 and 2 points respectively, a draw may not be good enough for automatic promotion. Cambridge United face Crewe away from home, a game that is certainly winnable, with Salford travelling to relegation battling Crawley and Notts County hosting Bristol Rovers. The positive sign for United is that Bristol Rovers have won all of their last 5 games whilst conceding just 4 goals. Only 4 teams (one of which is Cambridge United) have conceded less in that amount of time.

How the U's can confirm automatic promotion

The U's will need to play the game and not the occasion. Simply put, go into the game the same way we did in the 2-1 home win. This also extends to the 2,000 fans making the journey up north. 90 minutes is plenty of time and with goals coming from all over the pitch, U's fans should be confident and excited opposed to nervous and tentative. The starting 11 for the last 2 games has seen 10/11 players on the scoresheet and assist leader board.

The U's can draw and will need at most a draw from Salford AND Notts County. A loss would require at most a draw from both Salford AND Notts County but a win would guarantee 3rd place no matter the other scores.

How the U's can win

Tactically, Crewe set up in a standard 4-2-3-1 with an excellent spine and creative players out wide. With former U Shilow Tracey recently returning after a broken leg and 2 surgeries, a reunion is on the cards. Unfortunately, Jack Lankaster is still out following multiple injuries throughout the season. His return is extremely unlikely but will be back for League Two football next season.

The U's were able to carve Crewe open numerous times, having 6 big chances last time out. Courtesy of Knight making magic in the last 20 minutes the U's were able to comeback in the 97th minute. The U's won't need to rely on Purrington diving for Jobe's tap in but rather get the ball wide, threaten inside the 18 yard line and take their chances.

Outside influences

It has become clear that referee Neil Hair is a devout P*sh fan. A clear biased referee with a stake in the match will be controlling the game. United fans on social media have already sparked the conversation, however nothing will get done as we would be relying on the EFL to make a decision in United's favour. The online discourse wouldn't have been as loud if he hadn't already robbed Cambridge United of a penalty away to Gillingham.