Cambridge United will take a break from domestic duties on Tuesday night, when they play host to West Ham United in a friendly at the Abbey Stadium.
The hosts come into this one off the back of a defeat to Forest Green Rovers, while the visitors travel to Cambridgeshire looking to step up their fitness ahead of the return of the Premier League in two weeks' time.
Match preview
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Cambridge have endured a relatively poor 2022-23 campaign so far, occupying 20th in League One and sitting only three points above the relegation slots under Mark Bonner.
The Amber Army have struggled to string together much momentum in recent times, winning just one of their last seven matches in all competitions, which came in the form of a penalty shootout victory against Curzon Ashton in the FA Cup first round, following a dismal 0-0 draw in normal time.
In their last outing, Cambridge suffered a dramatic defeat at the hands of Forest Green in League One by a score of 2-1, owing to a 93rd-minute penalty from Connor Wickham.
That loss has moved Forest Green to within three points of their divisional rivals, and could have a negative psychological impact on Cambridge in their bid to avoid relegation.
On Tuesday, Bonner will aim to restore some morale within this team as Cambridge look to put in a positive display against a Premier League opponent.
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West Ham have found life tough in the Premier League in 2022-23 and sit in 16th place, with 14 points from 15 matches played under the stewardship of David Moyes.
Undoubtedly, the season break for the World Cup came at a good time for the Hammers, who had lost three matches in a row across all competitions, including a frustrating EFL Cup third round exit to Blackburn Rovers on penalties last month.
In contrast to the 2021-22 campaign, West Ham have struggled to generate any real consistency in English domestic football this season and have copped stick for their lack of potency in front of goal.
Nevertheless, West Ham have performed very well in the Europa Conference League which has salvaged some credit, finishing top of Group B on maximum points ahead of Anderlecht, Silkeborg and FCSB.
Going into this midweek friendly, Moyes will view it as a profitable opportunity to get some minutes into his players' legs before an important second period of the season.
Team News
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Cambridge will be without midfielder Adam May for the visit of West Ham on Tuesday, as he is sidelined with a long-term cruciate ligament injury.
Mark Bonner may opt to give several fringe players a chance to impress at the Abbey Stadium, with Sam Smith, Jake Lankester, Zeno Ibsen Rossi and Saikou Janneh all potentially being in line for an opportunity to start.
Joe Ironside will likely be given a rest for the hosts in attack, due to his strong level of involvement for Cambridge in 2022-23.
For the visitors, they will be missing Declan Rice and Lucas Paqueta as both midfielders are still on international duty with their respective nations at the World Cup.
Alphonse Areola and Nayef Aguerd will also be absent as they are still in Qatar with France and Morocco, while recently-eliminated German defender Thilo Kehrer will be afforded a prolonged rest ahead of the Premier League returning.
Angelo Ogbonna may be gifted a chance to get some minutes under his belt in defence following his recent recovery from injury, while Ben Johnson and Flynn Downes will also be expected to feature in this match.
Cambridge United possible starting lineup:
Mannion; Williams, Rossi, Jones, Dunk; Digby, Worman; Janneh, Lankester, Knibbs; Smith
West Ham United possible starting lineup:
Fabianski; Johnson, Dawson, Ogbonna, Palmieri; Downes, Soucek; Lanzini, Fornals, Benrahma; Scamacca
We say: Cambridge United 0-3 West Ham United
In a low stakes affair, we expect both sides to prioritise squad rotation in this match, which may disrupt the rhythm of proceedings to some extent.
Despite this, West Ham will run out as comfortable winners and gain some momentum going into the resumption of the Premier League.
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