Wrexham`s impressive journey towards a potential third consecutive promotion continues as they face Cambridge United on Tuesday. Wrexham enters the match as favorites, positioned high in the League One standings, while Cambridge United are struggling at the opposite end of the table.
Since being acquired by actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney four years ago, Wrexham has experienced remarkable success. Currently second in League One, they are on track for direct promotion to the Championship. Cambridge United, in contrast, are in 23rd place in the 24-team league and have had a difficult season.
The contrasting fortunes of the two teams are evident in their league positions and goal differences. Wrexham boasts a +24 goal difference, while Cambridge United`s is -26. Despite Cambridge`s recent seven-game unbeaten run, Wrexham is expected to be the dominant force in this matchup.
Here’s a preview of what to expect:
Match Details
- Date: Tuesday, April 1
- Time: 2:45 p.m.
- Location: Abbey Stadium — Cambridge, England
- Live stream: Paramount+
- Odds: Cambridge United +375; Draw +240; Wrexham -120
Previous Encounter
When these teams last met in December, the game ended in a 2-2 draw. Cambridge took an early lead through Elias Kachunga, but Wrexham quickly equalized with a goal from James McClean. Wrexham then went ahead with a Steven Fletcher goal, only for Dan Nlundulu to score a late equalizer for Cambridge.
Cambridge United`s Perspective
Cambridge United are deep in the relegation zone, needing to make up five points to reach safety with only seven games remaining. Every point is crucial for Neil Harris` team as they fight to avoid relegation. They may draw confidence from their previous 2-2 draw against Wrexham. Coming off a 1-1 draw against Northampton Town, Cambridge will be looking to improve after a poor first-half performance in that match. Harris emphasized the need for a more aggressive and effective performance from his team.
`We were really poor first half,` Harris said after Saturday`s game, according to Cambridge`s website. `It wasn`t what I want us to be in the sense of an aggressive Cambridge United and Neil Harris team – one that can play a little bit but also stand up to the fight. … But then I’ll end the negatives there. The second half was much more like it. There wasn’t always a lot of quality, but it was much more effective at times. My glass is half full because we’ve come back and got a point.`
Wrexham`s Outlook
Wrexham`s camp is filled with optimism. With five wins in their last six games, they are focused on securing promotion to the Championship. While automatic promotion is not guaranteed with a narrow two-point lead over third-place Wycombe Wanderers and seven games left, there is growing excitement about a potentially historic season. Wrexham could become the first team in England`s top five divisions to achieve three consecutive promotions if they continue their success.
Despite the high stakes, Wrexham is aiming to maintain a calm and focused approach as the season nears its conclusion.
`We`re aware of it but it can`t be a daunting thing, it has to be something that we rise to, something we are excited by and fuelled by,` Ollie Rathbone stated, as reported by the BBC. `We know it could be very, very special.`
Wrexham intends to leverage their experience, particularly compared to other League One teams. Several senior players with Premier League experience, such as McClean, Fletcher, and Rodriguez, are playing key roles this season. Rathbone, 28, highlighted the importance of this experience, noting that a winning environment and the seasoned players` mentality contribute significantly to their success.
`Winning breeds winning and when you come into an environment where people are used to it, it makes a huge difference,` he added. `You can sense it after a game when some of the senior players and coaching staff are simply `well done, onto the next one.` There`s no over celebrating, there`s no pats on the back, it`s `well done – but that`s what we came here to do, now let`s go.“
Predicted Lineups
Cambridge United: Nathan Bishop, James Gibbons, Michael Morrison, Kelland Watts, Scott Malone, Paul Digby, Ben Stevenson, Elias Kachunga, Josh Stokes, James Brophy, Dom Ballard
Wrexham: Arthur Okonkwo, Max Cleworth, Eoghan O`Connell, Lewis Brunt, Ryan Longman, George Dobson, Matty James, Oliver Rathbone, James McClean, Jay Rodriguez, Sam Smith
Player to Watch
Sam Smith, Wrexham: Given the contrasting forms of both teams, this game presents an opportunity for Wrexham to score goals, especially as goal difference could be a deciding factor in the final standings. Sam Smith could be crucial in this aspect.
Smith is Wrexham`s top scorer this season with 14 League One goals, just behind the league`s leading scorer. Having joined Wrexham in January from Reading for a club-record fee, Smith has scored two league goals for his new club and will be looking to add to that tally as Wrexham pushes for promotion.
Key Match Storyline
Wrexham`s Promotion Ambition: Wrexham`s rapid ascent through English football is becoming increasingly real. With only seven games left, the possibility of Championship football is a serious topic. Their success in League One has been fueled by experienced players like Fletcher and Rodriguez. This strategy of bringing in high-profile, experienced players is unusual in League One and highlights Wrexham`s unique financial position. While the approach has proven effective, the ultimate question is whether Wrexham can handle the pressure of making history and securing promotion.
The game against Cambridge will test Wrexham`s ability to manage pressure. Despite their December draw, Wrexham is the clear favorite and should aim for a straightforward victory. Any slip-ups could allow Wycombe to close the gap and complicate Wrexham`s promotion campaign.
Match Prediction
Wrexham is expected to secure a comfortable win against Cambridge United. Look for both their experienced and emerging players to contribute to a victory that maintains their promotion momentum. Prediction: Cambridge United 0, Wrexham 3
Benedict Kingsley