Preview: Cambridge United vs. Leyton Orient - prediction, team news, lineups

It will be a League One mid-table clash to kick-start the New Year for Cambridge United and Leyton Orient when the two teams meet at Abbey Stadium.

The visitors head into the game after consecutive matches without a loss, and will be looking to create an even bigger gap between themselves and their opponents.

Match preview

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After a defeat against Oxford United in their most recent outing Cambridge United will be attempting to get back to winning ways on Monday when they return to action.

The 2-1 loss was a frustrating one for Neil Harris due to the fact his team conceded in the 95th minute of the game to suffer a defeat, and there will need to be a focus on concentration moving forward to change that.

The U's have picked up six of their seven wins in home fixtures this season, showcasing far more confidence when playing at Abbey Stadium which should bring some momentum to the team.

While Cambridge United will be hoping to close the gap between themselves and Leyton Orient they will also be acutely aware that a defeat could see them drop to just above the relegation zone.

If other results go against them then they could start the New Year sitting in 18th position, which places some pressure on Harris to guide his team to a successful performance.

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The visitors come into the game off the back of two positive performances, picking up four points out of a possible six which has allowed them to scale the table.

Leyton Orient will come into this game in 13th position in what has been an inconsistent season with seven wins, and eight draws coming alongside nine defeats.

Putting together a run of consistent points could be the difference maker for Richie Wellens's team if they want to make a genuine push for a playoff position.

They will be aware that a defeat on Monday would allow Cambridge United to leapfrog them in the table, and that is something that they can ill-afford to happen.

Consecutive clean sheets to wrap up 2023 will certainly inject some defensive confidence into the team, though, which is one side of the game that the team does need to work on.

Team News

Cambridge United will come into the game slightly fresher than their opponents considering their most recent match against Stevenage was postponed, which could be an advantage on Monday.

Paul Digby is available to the U's following a suspension, and he could end up being drafted straight back into the starting lineup in this match.

For the visitors, it is unlikely that any alterations will be made at the back, considering the fact they have picked up consecutive clean sheets heading into this match.

Leyton Orient do have a couple of injuries to deal with as Jordan Graham and Adam Thompson have both been missing as of late, which is set to continue.

Cambridge United possible starting lineup:

Stevens; L. Bennett, Okedina, Morrison, Andrew; Digby, Cousins; Kaikai, Kachunga, Brophy; Ahadme

Leyton Orient possible starting lineup:

Brynn; Hunt, Turns, Happe, James; Brown, Galbraith; Drinan, Sotiriou, Archibald; Forde

We say: Cambridge United 0-1 Leyton Orient

There is very little to split these two teams right now in terms of their league positions, and that should lead to a close match on Monday.

However, the recent form of Leyton Orient might give them enough belief that they could edge the result.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.