What Black Cats can expect from Cambridge’s threat at the SoL

Sunderland will host Cambridge United at the Stadium of Light this weekend – but what can they expect from The U’s?

After winning promotion from League Two last season, Mark Bonner’s side are 12th in the table heading into the match, but were beaten 2-0 by Charlton on Tuesday.

We caught up with Cambridge reporter Stephen Page from Cambridgeshire Live to get the inside track.

How have Cambridge been playing recently?: SP: “Despite their League One safety being secured in recent weeks,Cambridgehaveshown nosignsofslowingdowninthe final games of the season.

"TheycomeintoSaturday’s game off the back of four wins in their last six matches, securing their best wins of the league campaign away to Ipswich and Wigan in that run.

"Therehavebeensomedisappointing results in recent weeks as well, but that is to be expected given the tough run thatthey’vehad.Onthewhole, they’vehadanexcellentseason and they head to the Stadium of Light without any pressure to secure a result.”

What system are they likely to play?:

SP: “The U’s have played a 4-2-3-1 throughout the season and I’d expect that to be the same for this weekend’s fixture.

"They are comfortable out of possession, and when they getitright,theyaredefensivelyverywell-organisedanddifficult to break down.

"They will look to use target man Joe Ironside as an outlet up front from which to build their attacks, and have paceintheirattackingoptions that make them a counter attackingthreat.They’veshown their ability to protect a lead against some of the top sides, so will be prepared to frustrateSunderlandshouldthey be able to get in front."

Who are their key players?: SP: Goalkeeper Dimi

Mitov has been the standout performer for the U’s in the second half of the season, earning United points and wins with some superb shot stopping. He produced an outstanding display in the FA Cup win at Newcastle, so may prove tough to get past once again this weekend.

“Centre-back Lloyd Jones has put in some brilliant performances in the last few matches, while Sam Smith (19) and Ironside (15) are United’s main source of goals.

“Wes Hoolahan always warrants a mention for his quality, but I wouldn’t expect him to start on Saturday.”