Curzon Ashton look to cause a cupset in a First Round clash against Cambridge United at Tameside Stadium in 2022-23 FA Cup.
Victory would see Curzon Ashton qualify for the Second Round for only the third time in their history, whilst Cambridge are looking to qualify for the Second Round for the second consecutive season.
Team News
Curzon Ashton have no fresh injury concerns as Devon Matthews and Connor Hampson both face late fitness tests, as the pair battle to recover from unspecified injuries ahead of this match.
Cambridge will be without striker, Fejiri Okenabirhie until early 2023 after he suffered a hamstring injury against Wycombe Wanderers last month.
Harrison Dunk could return after a knee injury kept him sidelined for the U’s last seven matches in all competitions.
George Williams (shoulder) and Liam O’Neil (ankle) are doubts but Dimi Mitov (ankle) and Adam May (knee) both remain ruled out.
Stat Attack
- This is Curzon Ashton’s first-ever meeting against Cambridge United in all competitions.
- Cambridge are visiting Tameside Stadium for the very first time across all competitions.
- Curzon Ashton are looking to reach the Second Round for the third time in their history, having previously done so in 2008-09 and 16-17 seasons.
- Five of Curzon Ashton’s nine goals in Qualifying were scored by Tom Peers
- Cambridge are looking to qualify for the Second Round for the second consecutive season for the first time since they last did so in 16-17 and 17-18 seasons.
Prediction
Having enjoyed a strong campaign with just three defeats in 16 matches, Curzon Ashton certainly should come into this game with strong confidence and a dangerous goalscorer in Tom Peers who could play a crucial role if he is allowed space inside box to execute chances.
Cambridge meanwhile aren’t in strong form with just two wins in their last eight matches in all competitions, which is a worry because their morale certainly will be low especially after a scrappy defeat at Peterborough last weekend so a huge improvement will be needed if want to avoid a cupset.
One positive for the Us though is that they’ve won their last two away matches across all competitions and will have the fitness advantage later in the second-half, which could prove key if their defence can keep Curzon Ashton and Peers at bay.
My gut instint though feels that the National League North club do have the momentum coming into this game and will be eager to react to last weekend’s loss against Hereford, whilst keeping Peers quiet will be important for the visitors in what could be a close contest.
Prediction: Curzon Ashton 2-1 Cambridge United
Result: Curzon Ashton 0-0 Cambridge United
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