Fleetwood Town take on Cambridge United on Saturday 13 January in Sky Bet League One, and in our match preview we have everything you need to know ahead of the 3pm kick-off at the Abbey Stadium.
Fixture: Cambridge United v Fleetwood Town
Competition: Sky Bet League One
Date: Saturday 13 January 2024
Kick-off: 15:00
Venue: Abbey Stadium
CAMBRIDGE UNITED
Neil Harris’ men were unable to pick up a scalp in the Emirates FA Cup last time out as Blackburn Rovers showcased their attacking prowess by battling back to claim a 5-2 triumph at Ewood Park.
Despite originally taking the lead on two separate occasions courtesy of Jack Lankester’s curler and Sullay Kaikai’s volley, a first-half hat-trick from Sammie Szmodics put the hosts in the ascendency, who dictated well to kill the game off thanks to Arnor Sigurdsson and Harry Leonard.
Reflecting on the loss, the Head Coach stated: “I thought for 46 minutes it was a really good game - everything we expected from Blackburn, they delivered. I’m delighted with the two goals we’ve scored, at 2-2 it looked a really good gamw, we just shot ourselves in the foot and need to be more resilient.”
The sole focus this week has been on this weekend, with the visit of Fleetwood being a great opportunity to prevent a fourth consecutive loss in all competitions. Sitting in 19th with a four-point cushion from the drop, five of the U’s next six games see them take on 24th, 20th, 17th, 15th and 22nd, therefore a vital spell awaits, as they strive to break the 30-point mark as soon as possible and build from there.
Cambridge currently sit 19th in the league table on 27 points after playing 24 matches. They have lost their last their last three in all competitions, with their last home win being a 2-0 victory over Exeter City. They will be looking for another positive performance on home soil, looking to increase the gap down at the bottom of the table.
WHAT THE MANAGER HAD TO SAY REGARDING THE GAME
On having to learn on the job at Fleetwood…
“I’ve learned a lot already, had a few decisions to make in the last 12 days but, as I said in a previous interview, it’s the enjoyment that it brings daily that carries everyone through. The team is improving with every session we have and it’s your job as the manager to organise everything and go with your gut.
“Nothing prepares you for sitting in the hot seat on your own; having people around you who have experienced that and having the ability to speak to people outside of the game who have great knowledge about managing are great tools to help me gain the experience needed as well, but you also have to learn on your own.
“You have to learn on the job, and have the full trust of the club, that’s why I’m here. You’ve got to make your own decisions and stand on your own two feet and, hopefully in the coming weeks, we will make the right decisions whilst also improving the team gradually by picking up results and picking up points.”
On keeping communication simple with the players…
“As long as we keep improving the players, the results will come; the performance was good against Derby, and we can take a lot of positives from that result. When you get the opportunity to take the lead, you have to take that, but we will work on that and build on the performance this week as we prepare for Cambridge.
“Simple and clear messages are what we are sending, they know where they stand and what we want as a club daily. I’m not going to complicate it for them, the basics are we haven’t won enough football matches, we need to be better in both boxes and if we work on them, the other parts of the game will come.
“We have to have good, honest conversations with the players and get to know them; put our arms around them and show them a bit of love, that’s how we are going to get the best out of this bunch of players. I said to the players though, when we are on the grass, we work with purpose and intensity to prepare for Saturday.”
KEY IFOLLOW & TICKETING DETAILS YOU NEED TO KNOW
Despite the last result, there is plenty of positivity around the camp and with Charlie Adam looking for his first win as Fleetwood's boss, and you can watch the game unfold if you can't attend in person.
Supporters of the Cods who live overseas will be able to purchase a Video Match Pass for £10 or an Audio Match Pass for just £2.50, as well as those who are living in the United Kingdom ONLY being able to purchase an Audio Pass.
Commentary for both streaming services will be provided by BBC Radio Lancashire, live from the Abbey Stadium, as their reporters will be watching the game next to the Club’s media team in the press box.
make sure you don’t miss anything from Fleetwood Town from now until the end of the season! Get behind the lads online and from the comfort of your own home – buy your iFollow passes HERE!
Supporters will be located in the South Habbin Terrace, with prices for match tickets and coach travel below:
Adults - £21
Seniors - £18
Under-22s / Students / Armes Forces - £18
Under-18s - £12
Under-12s - £8
Under-5s - FREE
Tickets are now off sale at Fleetwood Town's Ticket Office, however you can purchase tickets from Cambridge on the day from their Ticket Office, with all ticket prices increasing by £2 (cash and card accepted). The price of these tickets are reflected above.
