- Team form: Cambridge United have drawn their last two away matches
- Recent form: Crewe Alexandra have won one of their last five League Two matches
- Standings: Cambridge United are 3rd in the League Two table on 81 points from 45 games, Crewe Alexandra are 10th on 66 points
A clash of philosophies at Gresty Road
Crewe Alexandra are a possession-based team, Lee Bell’s ‘academy’ style sees them play a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3, pushing the pace when they can and looking to break lines with their forward thinking midfield runners. In contrast, Neil Harris has been a shrewd appointment for Cambridge United, immediately injecting a more pragmatic ‘structure first’ approach which has seen The Us settle down at the back since his arrival.
Their 3-5-2 system utilises wing-backs to provide width, but their two up top are designed to cover the ground and work the channels when on the break. Cambridge’s system is more rigid, but they can adapt within it and they have a very sturdy spine, while Crewe are more dynamic but this can make them susceptible when they get overrun. This makes for an interesting chess match of football this weekend.
Cambridge to edge a tight matchup
Form and recent results
With Cambridge’s superior form, higher position in the table and the fact they will be the more solid of the two sides this weekend, I think the visitors have a good chance of getting another positive away result in this one. Crewe have been poor recently, losing their last three games and they have won just one of their last five in the league.
Home and away records
They have won 12 of their 22 home games in the fourth division this season and have only scored 34 goals at home. Cambridge have only won seven of their 22 away games, and have only conceded 18 times in the process. Cambridge have won two and drawn two of their last five in the league, and a solid 3-0 home victory over Barrow last time out suggests they can get the job done on Saturday.
Goals, but only one team on the scoresheet
Both teams to Score - No at 1.78 is the main selection for this one. I think Cambridge are good value at 1.64 to get the win in this clash of contrasting philosophies, but the bet that appeals more is Over 2.5 goals at 1.98.
Crewe will push the pace at home and try to take the game to Cambridge, but they have lost their last three matches and may struggle against a solid Cambridge defence. James Gibbons has hit some form for The Us though, scoring three of their last eight and I will be siding with Cambridge to win and Both Teams to Score - No in the parlay.
- Josh March is Crewe’s main goal threat, scoring 11 times in 39 League Two appearances this season, while Ben Knight is Cambridge's top scorer with 11 goals in 35 League Two matches.
- The visitors’ main man up front has 11 goals in 35 games and has been a model of consistency all season.
