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

Cambridge United play host to Reading on New Year's Day looking for the win that is needed to bolster the survival hopes in League One.

At a time when the home side sit in 22nd position in the table, Reading occupy sixth place as they continue their bid for the playoffs.

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Match preview

Aside from a three-match winning streak across seven days in October, Garry Monk's time at Cambridge has been hugely disappointing.

Just eight victories have been posted in 40 matches and the former defender is currently on a run of guiding Cambridge to one victory in their last 10.

Since thrashing relegation rivals Shrewsbury Town, Cambridge have collected just one point from a possible 12, losing their last three fixtures.

On Sunday, Leyton Orient posted a 2-0 victory over Monk's team as they suffered their ninth defeat in 12 away league encounters.

Now sitting five points adrift of safety, Cambridge need a response if they are not to lose touch with 20th position and above.

Meanwhile, Reading make the trip to the Cledara Abbey Stadium with Noel Hunt having got successive wins on the board for the first time as head coach.

Having succeeded Ruben Selles in the Royals hotseat, the former forward is under pressure to keep the club on a surprise charge for the playoffs.

Victories over Northampton Town and Mansfield Town - with six goals being scored in the process - have ensured that Reading sit inside the top six by a point.

With Reading running out 3-0 winners in the reverse fixture as recently as December 3, there will be every confidence that they can end a three-match run without success on their travels.

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Team News

James Brophy is in line to return to the Cambridge XI having replaced Sulley Kaikai in the first half versus Leyton Orient.

Ryan Loft and Brandon Njoku are also pushing for opportunities in the final third with Dan Nlundulu likely to miss out.

Meanwhile, Hunt may prefer to select the same Reading XI from the win over Mansfield unless he wishes to freshen up his side.

Chem Campbell is likely to keep his place on the flank despite failing to contribute a goal or assist since December 1.

Andy Yiadom, Kelvin Abrefa and Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan all remain on the sidelines for the visitors.

Cambridge United possible starting lineup: Stevens; Bennett, Okedina, Morrison, Andrew; Smith, Cousins; Brophy, Stokes, Kachunga; Njoku

Reading possible starting lineup: Pereira; Craig, Mbengue, Bindon, Kanu; Knibbs, Wing, Savage; Campbell, Smith, Camara

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We say: Cambridge United 1-2 Reading

With Reading still getting to grips with life under Hunt, it remains to be seen whether they can put together a consistent run of wins. However, given that Cambridge have recently struggled for points, we can only back the Royals to battle their way to another important victory.

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

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