Preview: Cheltenham Town vs. Cambridge United - prediction, team news, lineups

Cheltenham Town head into Tuesday's encounter with Cambridge United looking to extend their unbeaten League One record to six matches.

Meanwhile, Cambridge have been moving in the opposite direction, the visitors now in 16th spot after a four-game winless streak.

Match preview

Throughout the back end of September and October, Cheltenham looked like a club which had no business remaining as dark horses for the playoffs.

However, collecting nine points from five games has changed that perception, and Michael Duff's side now sit just seven points adrift of the top six.

The FA Cup exit at AFC Wimbledon was frustrating, particularly having capitulated either side of half time, but Duff will remind his players that they remain one of the form teams in the third tier.

That said, in the match preceding the Wimbledon debacle, Cheltenham twice gave up a lead to eventually draw with Bolton Wanderers, and there is no denying that a bit of momentum has been lost in recent weeks.

Alfie May has still managed to find some form in the final third, the forward ending a relatively poor spell with four goals from just three outings.

Cambridge have been a mixed bag in recent weeks, combining some disappointing results in the league with progress in the EFL Trophy and FA Cup.

After defeating Walsall in the EFL Trophy, Cambridge came from behind to edge out Exeter City by a 2-1 scoreline in the latter of those competitions, Harvey Knibbs netting a late winner for his first goal of the season.

Mark Bonner will be delighted with their efforts away from League One, but he will be aware that they need to end a wait for another triumph in their bid to avoid a relegation scrap.

Nevertheless, while just one point has been collected from four games, each of their opponents occupy a spot in the top six, so their lack of progress on that front should be put into context.

Team News

Charlie Raglan could be drafted back into the Cheltenham defence after featuring for the final 28 minutes against Wimbledon.

Andy Williams is likely to remain on the substitutes' bench, despite his goal during that contest, but Matty Blair could be restored on the right flank.

Callum Wright will be assessed after stepping up his return during the game at the weekend.

Bonner may decide to stick with the Cambridge side which performed well in the FA Cup on Saturday.

However, Conor Masterson, Jensen Weir and Sam Smith are all alternatives if Bonner opts to introduce some fresh legs in various areas of the pitch.

Cheltenham Town possible starting lineup:
Flinders; Horton, Raglan, Pollock, Hussey; Chapman, Sercombe; Blair, Crowley, May; Wright

Cambridge United possible starting lineup:
Mitov; Williams, Okedina, Iredale, Dunk; Digby, May; Tracey, Hoolahan, Brophy; Ironside

We say: Cheltenham Town 2-1 Cambridge United

While Saturday's FA Cup exit came as a considerable blow, we have to back the home side to respond in this contest. Cambridge will get back on track at some stage, but they could lose a competitive fixture on Tuesday night.

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