Cambridge United will face Bolton Wanderers in an away match this Saturday. The match comes at a time of uncertainty for the U’s as their new manager is still yet to be announced, following Neil Harris’ departure from the club just over a week ago. However, Cambridge United forward Elias Kachunga - while conceding that it has been difficult for interim manager Barry Corr to fully implement his new ideas in the limited time he has had managing the team, and expressing a desire for the replacement manager to come in as soon as possible in order to reinstate stability - had nothing but praise for Corr’s interim leadership. Despite Corr’s seemingly positive influence on the squad, it seems likely that this will be his last match as manager. Corr suggested that the club is very close to finding a new manager and claimed that he would be surprised if a new manager was not in place for the U’s match against Northampton Town on the 9th of March. This will, perhaps, rekindle the fire in this Cambridge side as they look to leave a period of confusion and unpredictability behind.

 

It is likely, however, to be a difficult match for the U’s, as Bolton are currently third in the table, whilst United are sixteenth, just five points above the relegation zone. The U’s lost to Bolton in the reverse fixture just a couple of weeks ago but Corr seems unfazed by the quick turnaround, claiming that the team knows what to expect from their opponents. Both Kachunga and Corr alluded to the difficulties of playing against a possession based team, stressing the importance of keeping the ball when winning it and taking full advantage of opportunities to counterattack. The U’s are currently on a run of losses, and in order to pose a genuine threat to Bolton they must capitalise on the moments they create; Corr has stressed the importance of being as clinical as possible in the match against Bolton. There were many positive chances created for Cambridge United in their games against Peterborough United and Stevenage, but they were unable to translate these into goals. Corr anticipates that the U’s may be forced into a defensive role for much of the match, but with Bolton having lost their last two games, the U’s have a real chance of winning; as long as they take advantage of moments where Bolton are in transition and are efficient in the final third.

 

The team have had limited training time together on the pitch due to bad weather and a hectic match schedule. However, the players seem to have rallied together since Harris’ abrupt departure from the club and Kachunga expressed confidence that the team has shown character and has stayed focused in face of precariousness. It will be an interesting match for him personally, as he returns to the stadium of his former club, but he has made it clear that he will not let his performance be affected by the reaction he receives from Bolton fans. 

 

The starting 11 will likely be similar to the lineup against Stevenage, with a few potential changes. Adam May got his first start since coming back from a long-term injury this week but is still not yet back to full fitness and therefore is unlikely to play the full 90 minutes. Saikou Janneh and Jubril Okedina are again ruled out of Saturday’s match, with Janneh likely to be unable to play for a few more weeks and Okedina awaiting the results of some scans. Corr hopes that Okedina will be back by next week and that the injury is not as serious as first feared.

 

Saturday’s match is likely to be an exciting one. The U’s will be hoping to put an end to their poor run of form, and gain points after three consecutive losses. The players will undoubtedly be looking to make Corr proud and show their gratitude in what is likely to be their last match under his management. What remains to be seen, however, is if they will have the clinicality and mettle to put this slightly out of form yet strong Bolton side to the sword.