Wrexham continues their push for a third consecutive promotion this Tuesday against Cambridge United. They are favored to win this matchup between teams at opposite ends of the League One standings.
Following their acquisition by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney four years ago, Wrexham is enjoying another strong season. Currently second in League One, they are in a direct promotion spot to the Championship. Cambridge United, however, are struggling, sitting 23rd in the 24-team league with only seven wins in 39 games.
The difference in performance is stark: Wrexham are 46 points ahead of Cambridge. This is highlighted by their goal differences – Wrexham boasts a +24 goal difference, while Cambridge is at -26. Despite Cambridge entering this game on a seven-game unbeaten run, Wrexham remains the clear favorite.
Match Details
- Date: Tuesday, April 1
- Location: Abbey Stadium, Cambridge, England
- How to Watch: Paramount+
- Odds: Cambridge United +375; Draw +240; Wrexham -120
Previous Encounter
When Wrexham hosted Cambridge in December, the match was a 2-2 draw. Cambridge took the lead with a goal from Elias Kachunga, but James McClean quickly equalized for Wrexham. Steven Fletcher then put Wrexham ahead, only for Dan Nlundulu to score a late equalizer for Cambridge.
Cambridge United`s Perspective
Cambridge is deep in the relegation zone, five points from safety with seven games remaining. Every point is crucial for Neil Harris` team, and they might draw confidence from their previous 2-2 draw against Wrexham. Their current focus is on improving their present situation.
Coming off a 1-1 draw against Northampton Town, where they had to come from behind, Harris acknowledged his team`s poor first-half performance. He seeks immediate improvement, aiming for a “great escape” from relegation.
Harris stated that their first half against Northampton was “really poor,” not reflecting the aggressive team he wants Cambridge to be. However, he saw the second half as much better, emphasizing effectiveness over quality. He remains optimistic due to their comeback and point gained.
Wrexham`s Ambitions
Wrexham`s mood is very different, riding a five-win streak in their last six games and aiming for 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 being discussed. They could be the first team in England`s top five divisions to achieve three successive promotions.
Wrexham is maintaining a calm approach as the season nears its end.
Ollie Rathbone emphasized the need to embrace the pressure and excitement of their situation. He believes it should be a motivator, not a burden, as they aim for something “very, very special.”
They are relying on their experience, particularly compared to other League One teams. Several Wrexham players, including McClean, Fletcher, and Rodriguez, have Premier League experience and are key contributors this season. Rathbone highlighted the impact of this experience, stating that “winning breeds winning.”
He noted a winning mentality within the team, where senior players and staff quickly move on to the next challenge after a win, focusing on their goals without excessive celebration.
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 Spotlight
Sam Smith, Wrexham: Given the contrasting forms of both teams, this match is an opportunity for Wrexham to boost their goal difference, which could be vital for promotion tiebreakers against Wycombe. Sam Smith is key to this.
Smith is Wrexham`s top scorer with 14 League One goals, just behind the league leader. This season is one of his best scoring campaigns. He joined Wrexham in January from Reading for a club-record fee and has scored two league goals for them so far, aiming to add more as they chase Championship promotion.
Key Storyline
Wrexham`s Promotion Chase: Wrexham`s rapid ascent in English football is becoming a reality. With only seven games remaining in League One, their Championship ambitions are gaining serious traction.
Their success in League One is partly due to experienced players like Fletcher and Rodriguez, who bring top-level quality to the third division. This strategy, uncommon in League One due to financial constraints, has been effective for Wrexham. The season now hinges on whether they can handle the pressure of making history.
The game against Cambridge will test their resolve. Despite their December draw, Wrexham is heavily favored and expected to win. Any slip-up could allow Wycombe to close the gap in the promotion race, making Wrexham`s final weeks more challenging.
Match Prediction
Wrexham is expected to secure a comfortable victory on Tuesday. Their experienced and talented squad should maintain momentum, especially with tougher matches ahead. Prediction: Cambridge United 0, Wrexham 3
