Cambridge host Plymouth for the twenty-first round of League One action. It is fair to say that the two sides have had contrasting fortunes so far, with Cambridge sitting twentieth and just three points clear of the relegation zone, while Plymouth are top of the league. The hosts endured another defeat on Tuesday, falling to West Ham in a friendly game. While the stakes were not high in that one, it was Cambridge’s fourth defeat on the spin, having managed to concede nine goals in the process. To make matters worse, Cambridge have won just once in their last eight games, with that victory coming after penalties against amateur side Curzon Ashton. It has not been much better on home turf either for the hosts, having claimed two wins in ten and failing to score in six of those. The only bright spot is Cambridge’s recent record when hosting Plymouth, having managed to prevail in four of their last meetings at the Abbey Stadium.
Plymouth fell to a rare 2-0 defeat to Port Vale at the weekend, yet still managed to maintain top spot in League One. One will understand why the word rare is being used, with Plymouth having conceded just two defeats in their last twenty-one matchups. While they have been extremely prolific in attack, defence has been an issue that warrants some improvement, with the visitors having conceded in their last eight fixtures. While rarely losing on the road, there too they need some clinical edge, having failed to win in each of their last four outings. While they do possess the quality thus to overcome this Cambridge side, their defensive and away records could lead one to think twice before backing them.