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Match Previews

OPPOSITION GUIDE: CAMBRIDGE UNITED

18 December 2020

Match Previews

OPPOSITION GUIDE: CAMBRIDGE UNITED

18 December 2020

The Bantams return to action at the Utilita Energy Stadium - hosting Cambridge United in Sky Bet League Two. 

The U’s are in sixth position in the table - having recorded eight wins, four draws and five losses from 17 matches. 

We have put together this Opposition Guide to take you through everything you need to know about Saturday’s visitors.

TRANSFER ACTIVITY

Cambridge made 10 signings over the summer, with 11 players departing the Abbey Stadium. 

INS: Paul Digby (Stevenage), Paul Mullin (Tranmere Rovers), Wes Hoolahan (Newcastle Jets), Joe Ironside (Macclesfield Town), Robbie Cundy (Bristol City, loan), Jack Iredale (Carlisle United), Adam May (Portsmouth), Kai McKenzie-Lyle (Liverpool), Hiram Boateng (Milton Keynes Dons, loan), Idris El Mizouni (Ipswich Town, loan).

OUTS: Samir Carruthers (released), George Taft (Bolton Wanderers), Sam Bennett (Yaxley), Dan Jones (Hereford), Paul Lewis (Tranmere Rovers), Jordan Norville-Williams (Hayes & Yeading), Finley Iron (Yaxley), George Maris (Mansfield Town), Tom Knowles (Yeovil Town), Reggie Lambe (released), Jabo Ibehre (retired).

ONES TO WATCH

Paul Mullin

Mullin is Sky Bet League Two’s leading scorer - with 16 goals to his name this season. He signed a loan deal with Cambridge in January, where he scored two in six matches, before signing a permanent deal with the club in the summer. 

The 26-year old striker had his most prolific goal-scoring spell with Morecambe between 2014 and 2017, where he bagged 28 goals in 140 appearances for the Shrimps. Mullin has also represented Vauxhall Motors, Swindon Town and Tranmere Rovers.

Joe Ironside

Ironside came through the academy at Sheffield United and made 23 appearances for the Blades - including two appearances in the Sky Bet League One Play-Offs, where they lost out Yeovil Town, during the 2012/13 season.

The Middlesbrough born striker made the move to the U’s after spending a season at Macclesfield Town. Ironside has been a good influence since joining in the summer and currently has seven goals from 14 league matches.

Idris El Mizouni

This is El Mizouni’s second loan spell at Cambridge United, after he spent last season on loan from his parent club Ipswich Town. The creative midfielder has impressed during his time at the Abbey Stadium through his weaving runs, flair and quick feet.

The Paris-born operate has made several appearances for Ipswich since penning his first professional contract with the club in December 2018, and has been capped at international level with Tunisia.

THE CAPTAIN

Greg Taylor has been with the U’s since 2013 and has clocked up over 300 appearances for the Cambridgeshire-based outfit. He helped the side into Sky Bet League Two in 2014 with a 2-1 victory against Gateshead in the National League Play-Off Final.

The 30-year-old defender is one of the longest-serving players at the club, and has also enjoyed spells at Kettering Town, Darlington and Luton Town.

THE MANAGER

Mark Bonner was appointed manager of Cambridge United in March this year, following the departure of Colin Calderwood in January. The 43-year old stood in as caretaker after Calderwood left - but oversaw four wins from his first four matches. 

He was handed a two-year deal with the club after an impressive start - and has his side in the play-off positions during his first full season of first-team management.

Bonner has been with the U’s since 2011 and has filled a variety of different positions within the club - including academy roles, first-team coach and assistant manager.

LAST TIME OUT

Cambridge United battled to a 2-1 victory over play-off rivals Colchester United on Tuesday evening at the Abbey Stadium. 

Cambridge United 2 (Mullin 50’, 65’)

Colchester United 1 (Folivi 68’ pen)

Tuesday December 15

Cambridge: Burton, Knoyle, Darling, Cundy, Iredale, Hannant, Digby, Taylor, El Mizouni (Davies 89'), Knibbs, Mullin (Ironside 90’).


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