Bottom-of-the-table Cambridge United will be desperate for points on Saturday when they host promotion hopefuls Stockport County at Cledara Abbey Stadium in League One.
The U's are on yet another five-game winless run but could benefit from the new manager bounce after parting ways with Garry Monk.
Match preview
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After last week's 1-0 home defeat against Exeter City, Cambridge found themselves rooted to the foot of the table, eight points from safety, and decided it was time to part ways with Monk.
In his place, the U's have appointed former boss Neil Harris, the man that Monk was brought in to replace initially, and he is set to take charge of his first match this weekend.
To be fair to the outgoing manager, all of the teams in the relegation zone have experienced a sudden upturn in form since the turn of the year, and six points from their last seven league games was not enough for Cambridge to keep up.
In the reverse fixture, Saturday's hosts were beaten 2-0 by Stockport back in August, and considering their current form, it would be a shock if they were to avoid defeat against the promotion chasers this time around.
That being said, Harris's side could benefit from his fresh ideas, and given that the U's have earned four of their five wins at home this season, the new manager bounce could gain them some unexpected points this weekend.
![Dave Challinor manager of Stockport County during the Pre-season friendly match Stockport County vs Blackburn Rovers at Edgeley Park Stadium, Stockport, United Kingdom, August 2, 2024 [on August 11, 2024]](https://sm.imgix.net/24/32/dave-challinor.jpg?w=640&h=480&auto=compress,format&fit=clip "Dave Challinor manager of Stockport County during the Pre-season friendly match Stockport County vs Blackburn Rovers at Edgeley Park Stadium, Stockport, United Kingdom, August 2, 2024 [on August 11, 2024]")
© Imago
Meanwhile, Dave Challinor's Stockport have been in excellent form over the last month, winning six and drawing just one of their seven games since January 18.
Last time out, the Hatters kept a clean sheet in a 2-0 away win against Wigan Athletic, a result that left them fourth in the third tier with 57 points to show for their efforts across their 32 games to date.
The promotion contenders are now just one point behind third-placed Wrexham, and given their form, they will be looking even higher at Wycombe Wanderers, who sit just six in front in the automatic promotion spots.
Saturday's visitors are currently unbeaten on the road in League One in 2025, having won three and drawn two of their away matches since their narrow 1-0 defeat at the hands of Huddersfield Town on Boxing Day.
The consistency of their record both home and away should give Challinor's side confidence ahead of their trip to Cambridge, though coming up against the favourite for relegation this season, the manager and fans alike will be expecting another three points this weekend.
Team News
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Cambridge may make a number of changes on Saturday with a new manager at the helm, though top scorer Elias Kachunga is sure to remain in the XI.
Likewise, attacking midfielder Josh Stokes has performed well this season and should start once again, while captain Michael Morrison should lead the team from centre-back.
As for Stockport, goalkeeper Ben Hinchcliffe was taken off with an injury against Wigan, so expect Corey Addai to start between the sticks.
In front of him, Callum Connolly and Ethan Pye will line up at the heart of defence, flanked by Kyle Knoyle and Ibou Touray at full-back.
Further forward, Will Collar will be looking to build on his goal last time out, and striker Kyle Wootton will give the Hatters a focal point up top.
Cambridge United possible starting lineup:
Bishop; Okedina, Morrison, Watts; Barton, Cousins, Brophy, Gibbons; Kachunga, Stokes; Loft
Stockport County possible starting lineup:
Addai; Knoyle, Connolly, Pye, Touray; Moxon, Norwood; Diamond, Collar, Olaofe; Wootton
We say: Cambridge United 1-3 Stockport County
Cambridge have 15 games left to save their season, and they could start well by scoring this weekend with a new manager in the dugout.
However, given the gulf in quality between the sides - and the fact that all of the momentum seems to be with Stockport ahead of Saturday's clash - the Hatters are likely to extend their unbeaten streak once more with another victory.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
