WHAT BARNSLEY CAN EXPECT FROM CAMBRIDGE UNITED THIS SATURDAY

On Saturday 11th February Barnsley host Cambridge United in a Sky Bet League One encounter. We asked Under The Abbey Stand Podcast five questions regarding the U`s so Reds fans can get a better perspective of what to expect from Cambridge.

In the last 18 league games, Cambridge United have won 2 and drawn 4, losing the rest. After a steady start to the season, what has gone wrong? The U’s have been enjoying a golden period under the stewardship of Mark Bonner since he took up the helm in March 2020. Following a subpar summer transfer window for what seemed like the first time under Bonner, with none of the new additions able to consistently hold down a spot in the U’s XI, the U’s were largely reliant on the familiar faces to continue the good times at the Abbey.

With the opening fixtures favourable and the core of Bonner’s key players fit and raring to attack the new term, results largely were positive. A fully fit squad seemed a functional one and although the U’s strength in depth remained a question looming over the squad, it had yet to face the acid test. A gradual introduction for the new boys would have been preferred on Bonner’s part as it would have been for any squad.

You can see where this is going can’t you? A slew of injuries throughout the squad to key players was met with a corresponding form slump, with the back line and midfield leaning on fringe players to find the formula for the U’s defensive woes. With solidity at the back compromised, Bonner was forced into numerous system and formation tweaks in order to cater for the persistent personnel woes impacting the club. Despite the odd surprise here and there, United have largely regressed from early play-off spot occupiers to the doldrums of the relegation zone. January couldn’t come soon enough…

In the last 2 league games, Cambridge have had noticeable draws to Lincoln and Ipswich Town. Have you turned a corner? With the U’s making notable signings to bolster the defensive capabilities of the side, the squad already seem to be showing signs of the old ways. A familiar face in Michael Morrison as well as the additions of Ryan Bennett and Conor McGrandles in midfield already seem to add a degree of experience and with it, consistency. Perhaps more vitally for United, the grit and solidity they had relied upon so greatly on their ascent up to League One looks to be reappearing.

Although any self-respecting football fan would tell you it is far too early to claim United have turned a corner, there does feel a cause for quiet optimism returning to the club. The U’s have enjoyed upsetting the League One big boys on previous occasions and with the bolstering of the squad in January, the fans will quietly begin to move back into the realms of hope over despair when it comes to these big away tests.

The U’s will head to Oakwell with the motivation to continue slowly building momentum in the hope of a run of results that can move us away from the dreaded relegation spots and turn that proverbial corner.

Which players should Barnsley look out for? Although it’s the new signings who will garner the close attention of the hopeful match going away fans on Saturday, one player who requires less scrutiny upon his addition to Bonner’s preferred XI following a successful loan period at League Two’s Walsall, is United youth product, Liam Bennett.

The diminutive defender has looked utterly accomplished since taking up the right wing-back spot in Bonner’s new five at the back approach, linking well with the experienced Michael Morrison who at times, looked on in awe in the tie against Ipswich last Saturday, as Bennett terrorised and tormented the Ipswich left flank all afternoon.

He has the invaluable trait of being able to deliver a cross from seemingly any angle, no matter how acute and defies his stature by being seemingly impossible to push off the ball at times. If the U’s can mount a threat at Oakwell, you can bet Bennett will be at the heart of it. He’s very exciting. How do U’s get a result at Barnsley Since the conclusion of the January window, Mark Bonner looks to be opting for a five at the back approach similar to Barnsley. If Bonner looks to match the Tykes, United will look to soak up the pressure at Oakwell, opting for his new, experienced centre back additions to marshal the defence, relying on swift counter attacks to hurt the opponent.

Both sides put little emphasis on long spells in possession and will look to be direct in their attacking approach. It may not be one for the purists this weekend at Oakwell. Both sets of centre halves will have to be on their game. It may come down to who makes the fewest errors at the back and when the chances do present themselves, which attackers can be clinical.

Score prediction? 1-1

It’s early days for the new look United. Since the system change, the U’s are yet to concede and will seek to frustrate Barnsley for large parts of the game. Going away to promotion chasers for the first time in this new formation will test United’s resolve. Barnsley are a big, powerful outfit. They will look to pepper United with a mixture of crosses and long throws. The new look back line will have to be on their game. The Tykes may nick one or two. The U’s could also.

To follow Abbey Stand Podcast, find them on Twitter + Instagram: @AbbeyStandPod

Listen and subscribe on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/under-the-abbey-stand/id1350441726 www.undertheabbeystand.com

Last time out: