Both of these sides have improved their form over recent weeks, picking up the point required to take them clear of the relegation zone. However, both are still within touching distance of the drop zone so avoiding defeat is the very least that both managers will be demanding from their squads, but three points would likely move either side into mid table. The visitors are going to be without defender Legge and midfielder Halliday after each picked up a red card during the win over Accrington Stanley. Blackpool currently sit three places and 1 point above this weekends opponent, and with two wins and a draw from their last three home games the Tangerines should be confident ahead of kick-off.
HEAD TO HEAD
Blackpool and Cambridge prepare to meet for the 9th time on Saturday, and so far there is nothing to separate the sides in the head to head record. Its been a while since the two sides last locked horns, 2002 to be exact, and on that day the visitors Blackpool ran out convincing 3-0 winners. Both sides were plying their trade in League One back then, and both must dream of a return to the third tier which looks unlikely to come true this season.
HEAD TO HEAD
Blackpool and Cambridge prepare to meet for the 9th time on Saturday, and so far there is nothing to separate the sides in the head to head record. Its been a while since the two sides last locked horns, 2002 to be exact, and on that day the visitors Blackpool ran out convincing 3-0 winners. Both sides were plying their trade in League One back then, and both must dream of a return to the third tier which looks unlikely to come true this season.
Stats
Although this is the first meeting between the two sides in 14 years, Blackpool are undefeated in the previous six encounters. Only 33% of Cambridge's points this season have come on the road.
Reason For Betting Tips
After years of turmoil, Blackpool fans would have been forgiven for not knowing what to expect from the Tangerines this season but if you asked them their thoughts so far we think most would admit it’s been a poor start to the season. With the tension between the owners and the fans seemingly cooling there will have been real hope for progression from Blackpool, but their form on the pitch has been indifferent at best. With almost a quarter of the season already played, Blackpool are in 16th position with 13 points on the board and although it’s tight in League Two, they will know they will have to put a run together sooner rather than later if they are to trouble the play-offs.
Cambridge couldn’t have wished for a better start to the season. After the opening eight games they were bottom of the league and yet to pick up their first win of the season. Fast forward a few weeks and they have recorded three wins in the league on the spin and have even defeated a talented Middlesbrough Under 21’s side in the controversial Checkatrade Trophy. If United maintain this current run of good form then the challenge at the right end of the table that most predicted could be a real possibility.
Given the form of Cambridge at the moment they are a massive price at 3/1 to claim an away victory but we are going to act with a bit of caution for our tip. We are worried that their away form isn’t as impressive as their recent form in front of their own fans, so we are going to back a Cambridge United win or draw double chance at 17/20 with bet365.
Team News – Blackpool
Gary Bowyer now sits at the helm of the Blackpool ship as they aim to sail back towards the big-time but there’s lots of work to be done if that dream is to become a reality. Three wins in their first 11 starts proves this division isn’t going to be the cakewalk many may have predicted for Blackpool and they enter round 12 stuck down in 16th spot, looking very sorry for themselves.
Gary Bowyer now sits at the helm of the Blackpool ship as they aim to sail back towards the big-time but there’s lots of work to be done if that dream is to become a reality. Three wins in their first 11 starts proves this division isn’t going to be the cakewalk many may have predicted for Blackpool and they enter round 12 stuck down in 16th spot, looking very sorry for themselves.
One win in five, 3-1 over Portsmouth on their penultimate start, just isn’t good enough for a side aiming for a promotion place at least and they were last seen losing 1-0 to Crawley thanks to a winning goal from defender Mark Connolly. The locals have been scoring enough of their own goals, 15 so far, but they’ve conceded 12 in that time, meaning much of their good work is immediately undone by sloppy work at the back. That’s something manager Bowyer will have to cut out, and sharpish.
Blackpool to get back to winning ways and grab a three points that would push them a step closer to the play-off places currently trades at 21/20 with Betfred and that’s the best price currently available. They have drawn two of their last four and another even finish will net backers 5/2 at BetVictor. Blackpool to get the promotion they so painfully want? Out of the question at 13/2 with Paddy Power.
Team News – Cambridge
Will Cambridge care that Blackpool used to be a big team who once sold Charlie Adam to Liverpool for seven-million-pounds? Don’t believe it for a second! Shaun Derry’s side bus to Bloomfield Road just a point behind their hosts in the table and know all too well the right result here would see them leapfrog Blackpool while putting distance between themselves and the relegation zone.
The U’s have reason to be confident too and roll up on the back of a three-match winning run, over Newport, Yeovil and Accrington (highlights below). Two of those three came courtesy of a 2-1 full time score and another can be yours at 13/1 when shopping with BetVictor. Incredibly, those three wins have been Cambridge’s only three of the season so far but it’ll take a brave man to oppose them now they have the taste and a well organised side to stop their flow.
Cambridge have scored at least one goal in each of their last five league outings and another in this match can’t be written off easily with William Hill going 4/9. The away win by any method has been chalked up as an 11/4 shot with Bet365 and the same firm are actually giving them a one-goal head-start on the handicap at a crazy 5/6. I’ll be having some of that.
