Cambridge United host Pompey in a mid-week EFL League One clash at The Abbey Stadium.
John Mousinho’s side are in good spirits after beating Carlisle United 1-0 thanks to a stoppage-time goal from Conor Shaughnessy. The result keeps them at the top of the league with a three-point gap over Oxford United who could only draw with Blackpool at the weekend.
Cambridge on the otherhand gifted struggling Cheltenham Town their first win of the season. Liam Sercombe scored the only goal of the match for Robins, as Cambridge failed to score for the third time in 10 matches across all competitions. Their form has been poor recently and they're without a league win since September 3 when they beat Reading. Cambridge are winless in their last seven matches, and have registered just two wins in their last 10 league outings.
The hosts do have a former Pompey player in their ranks, and he began his career at Fratton Park. Brandon Haunstrup came through the academy at Pompey, and made 57 appearances in the five-years he spent on the South Coast. Haunstrup eventually departed for the Scottish premiership with Kilmarnock in July 2020, and then returned to English football in July 2022 with Cambridge.
Here’s the latest team news from both the Cambridge United and Pompey camps ahead of kick-off. Flick through to see who is missing and why with some quotes from John Mousinho and Cambridge’s assistant boss.
1. Tom Lowery - out
Came off after just 45 minutes in Pompey’s opening day clash with Bristol Rovers. Substituted with knee ligament damage, ruling him out for potentially at least three months. Closing in on a return, and could play after mid-November. Photo: Jason Brown
2. Tom Lowery - out (continued)
John Mousinho said to The News: ”Tom joined in for modified training on Saturday morning, or he joined in in a modified way for the training session. “I think he’ll have a week of dropping in and out of training sessions and then he’ll be back training with us the week building in to the FA Cup game, which will be great.” Photo: Jason Brown
3. Anthony Scully - out
Sidelined since August through injury, but is making strides towards a recovery. He injured his knee and required surgery for a meniscus tear. Photo: Jason Brown
4. Marlon Pack - out
Pack damaged his ligaments in his left ankle and has missed the last three games. John Mousinho said to The News: “Marlon has been back out on the grass.” Photo: Jason Brown