After the disappointment of relegation from EFL League One, Cambridge United return to League Two action against Cheltenham Town on Saturday, 2 August, with the visitors aiming to improve on last season’s mid-table finish.
View our EFL League Two predictions after going through our key Cambridge vs Cheltenham tips below.
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Cambridge vs Cheltenham prediction: Robins to beat the U’s
Key Stats
- Cambridge won thrice in their five preseason friendly matches (D1, L1).
- The U’s are winless in seven straight home league games (D2, L5).
- Cheltenham have conceded at least one goal in their last 15 league games.
- The Robins are unbeaten in 11 of their last 12 competitive H2Hs.
Correct score prediction: Cambridge 1-2 Cheltenham
Cambridge United’s League One relegation was sealed by a dismal end to last season, losing four of their final five matches to finish 23rd – nine points adrift of safety. Neil Harris’ mid-season arrival failed to spark a revival, but an encouraging preseason suggests they may approach their League Two return with renewed belief.
Meanwhile, Cheltenham arrive with momentum from impressive friendly showings against Bristol City and Swansea City. While their previous campaign ended with defeat at Bromley, we expect the Robins to grow into this away contest and secure an opening-day victory through a strong second-half display.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Bookies back Cambridge
- HOME: 10/11 (1.90) – 52.6%
- DRAW: 27/10 (3.70) – 27%
- AWAY: 14/5 (3.80) – 26.3%
*odds from Oddschecker, subject to change
With eight new stars brought in the summer, and the home advantage strongly in their favour, bookmakers back the hosts to comfortably edge the visitors. They are backed by 10/11 (1.90) odds of emerging victorious, implying a 52.6% chance of success despite their poor form on home turf.
On the other hand, Michael Flynn’s men enter this season opener as underdogs following a relatively decent preseason performance – losing just twice in six matches. Bookmakers price the visitors at 14/5 (3.80) – a 26.3% win probability rate.
All predictions for today’s games can be found in a comprehensive manner on our football betting tips page.
Most recent H2Hs: Cheltenham with the upper hand
Cheltenham are unbeaten in six straight H2Hs dating back to 2022, now winning five in succession. Cambridge last won 5-0 against the visitors in December 2021.
England EFL Trophy 10/12/24
Cheltenham
Cambridge Utd
England League 1 10/02/24
Cambridge Utd
Cheltenham
England League 1 21/10/23
Cheltenham
Cambridge Utd
England League 1 14/02/23
Cambridge Utd
Cheltenham
England League 1 13/09/22
Cheltenham
Cambridge Utd
Cambridge preview: Home advantage in the opener
Korey Smith is expected to be the only name missing for Cambridge, as Neil Harris prepares to hand several new faces their competitive debuts.
Predicted lineup: Eastwood (GK), Bennett, Morrison, Watts, Purrington, Brophy, Ball, McLoughlin, Kaikai, Knight & Loft
England League 1 03/05/25
L
Birmingham
2
Cambridge Utd
1
England League 1 26/04/25
L
Burton Albion
2
Cambridge Utd
1
England League 1 21/04/25
L
Leyton Orient
2
Cambridge Utd
1
England League 1 18/04/25
W
Huddersfield
1
Cambridge Utd
2
England League 1 12/04/25
L
Charlton
1
Cambridge Utd
0
Cheltenham preview: Odds lined up against them
Michael Flynn travels to Cambridge with a fully fit squad.
Predicted lineup: Day (GK), Power, Bennett, Cundy, Anderson, Young, Kinsella, Broom, Pell, Archer & Thomas
England League 2 03/05/25
L
Bromley
3
Cheltenham
0
England League 2 26/04/25
W
Carlisle
2
Cheltenham
3
England League 2 21/04/25
W
Notts County
1
Cheltenham
2
England League 2 18/04/25
D
Gillingham
1
Cheltenham
1
England League 2 10/04/25
W
Crewe
2
Cheltenham
3
Player to Watch: Jordan Thomas
English midfielder Jordan Thomas impressively racked in 14 goal contributions (G9, A5) in 48 appearances for Cheltenham last season. He could prove pivotal in unlocking Bristol Rovers’s backline in their opening game of this campaign