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.
9. Brandon Haunstrup - out
Out for at least the next thre weeks. Yet to play a full 90 minutes in the league for the U’s since his move to the Abbey Stadium in the summer of 2022. | Arsenal FC via Getty Images Photo: David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
10. Brandon Haunstrup - out (continued)
It’s really sad for Brandon,” said Cambridge’s assistant manager Kevin Betsy to the Cambridge Independent. “He’s worked extremely hard every day when he’s been on his recovery away from the main group.” | Getty Images Photo: lex Pantling/Getty Images)