Wrexham continues their push for a third consecutive promotion as they face Cambridge United on Tuesday. Wrexham, currently in a strong second position in League One, are the favorites against Cambridge, who are struggling near the bottom of the table.
Since being acquired by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney four years ago, Wrexham has experienced remarkable success. Their current second-place standing would secure them direct promotion to the Championship. Cambridge United, in contrast, are facing difficulties, sitting 23rd in the league with only seven wins this season.
The difference in performance between the two teams is significant, with Wrexham holding a 46-point lead over Cambridge. This disparity is further highlighted by their goal differences: Wrexham boasts a +24 goal difference, while Cambridge has a -26. Despite Cambridge entering the game on a seven-game unbeaten run, Wrexham remains the strong favorite.
Match Details
- Date: Tuesday, April 1
- Location: Abbey Stadium, Cambridge, England
Previous Encounter
When Wrexham played host to Cambridge in December, the match was adraw, ending 2-2. Cambridge took the lead with a goal from Elias Kachunga, but Wrexham quickly responded with an equalizer from James McClean. Wrexham then went ahead with a goal by Steven Fletcher, only for Dan Nlundulu to score late in the game, ensuring a point for each side.
Cambridge United`s Perspective
Cambridge is deeply entrenched in the relegation zone, needing five more points to escape with only seven games remaining. Every point is crucial for Neil Harris` team as they fight to avoid relegation. They might draw confidence from their 2-2 draw against Wrexham earlier in the season. However, their current focus is solely on improving their present situation.
In their recent match against Northampton Town, Cambridge drew 1-1, having to come back from a goal down. Harris expressed disappointment with their first-half performance in that game and is seeking immediate improvement for the upcoming match against Wrexham. He noted the team`s poor first half against Northampton, desiring a more aggressive and resilient Cambridge United. However, he found positives in their second-half response and securing a point.
Wrexham`s Perspective
The atmosphere in the Wrexham camp is very positive. They have won five of their last six matches and are focused on achieving promotion to the Championship. With seven games left and a narrow two-point lead over third-place Wycombe Wanderers, automatic promotion is not guaranteed, but the possibility of a historic season is definitely being discussed. Wrexham could potentially become the first team in England`s top five divisions to achieve three successive promotions if they succeed. The key question is whether they can handle the pressure.
Wrexham is aiming to maintain a calm approach as the season approaches its climax.
Ollie Rathbone emphasized the need to embrace the challenge and excitement of the situation, rather than being daunted by it. He believes the team is aware of the potential significance of their achievements.
Wrexham intends to leverage their experience, especially compared to other teams in League One. Several Wrexham players, including McClean, Fletcher, and Rodriguez, have Premier League experience and are playing vital roles this season. Rathbone highlighted the value of this experience, noting that winning becomes ingrained in the team culture.
He described an environment where senior players and coaching staff maintain a focused approach, quickly moving on to the next challenge after each victory, indicating a strong drive and ambition within the team.
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 match could be an opportunity for Wrexham to score multiple goals, especially as goal difference might be crucial in determining final league positions. Sam Smith is expected to be key in this aspect.
Smith is Wrexham`s top scorer this season with 14 League One goals, close to the league`s top scorer. This season marks one of his most prolific scoring periods. Having joined Wrexham in January from Reading for a club-record fee, Smith has already contributed two league goals and will be looking to add more as Wrexham pursues promotion.
Key Storyline
Wrexham`s Promotion Ambition: Wrexham`s rapid ascent in English football may have seemed improbable initially, but with only seven games remaining in League One, their potential promotion to the Championship is becoming a serious topic.
Wrexham has performed strongly in League One, aided by experienced players like Fletcher and Rodriguez, who bring significant quality to the third division. Their presence represents a unique approach in League One, likely facilitated by Wrexham`s distinct financial resources. While their strategy`s potential was evident, the ultimate success now hinges on the team`s ability to handle the pressure of making history.
The game against Cambridge will be a crucial test of Wrexham`s resolve. Despite Cambridge`s demonstrated competitiveness in their previous encounter, Wrexham is heavily favored to win. Any difficulties in this match could provide an opening for Wycombe to challenge Wrexham`s second-place position, adding complexity to Wrexham`s promotion campaign in the final weeks.
Match Prediction
Wrexham is expected to secure a comfortable victory on Tuesday. Their blend of experienced and talented players should ensure they maintain their momentum, especially with tougher matches ahead later in the season. Prediction: Cambridge United 0, Wrexham 3
