Grecians look to build momentum against struggling Cambridge

Exeter City will be looking to return to winning ways in League One as they travel to the Cledara Abbey Stadium to take on bottom-placed Cambridge United on Saturday for a 12.30pm kick-off.

The Grecians come into this match following a dramatic encounter with Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup, where they pushed the Premier League side to penalties before suffering heartbreak.

City midfielder Ed Francis, reflecting on his experience playing all 120+ minutes of Tuesday night’s game, comments, “I’m feeling good, and it was a positive night for us,” said Francis. “We showed ourselves off in a good light and we have lots to be proud of, in one of the loudest atmospheres I’ve played at."

Francis also highlighted the significance of playing against top-flight players. “These are the games you want to play in. When you're growing up, you want to be testing yourself against the best players, and we were up against players who are third in the Premier League. To see what they are like and how they play—that was a great experience.”

Cambridge, meanwhile, will be eager to bounce back from a heavy 4-0 defeat to league leaders Birmingham City in midweek. The U’s find themselves at the foot of the table and in desperate need of points, making this an important fixture for both sides.

Exeter edged past Cambridge earlier in the season with a narrow 1-0 win, and they'll be hoping for a repeat performance to pick up a crucial three points. If you can’t make the early trip to Cambridge, the match will be shown live on Sky Sports+.

City boss Gary Caldwell knows the team must capitalise on their FA Cup momentum and use it as a catalyst for improved league performances. Speaking ahead of the game, he emphasised the need for consistency and mental resilience.

“Tuesday night has to be a level we try and get to now,” he said, recognising the intensity and quality his team displayed against Premier League opposition.

However, he was quick to shift focus back to the reality of the league campaign. “We’re all a bit tired this morning, but it’s time to re-energise and get going again. We have to come back to reality mentally and physically and get ready for Saturday.”

Caldwell also underlined the bigger picture, reminding his players that one game won't define their season. “It’s important that we win on Saturday, but we have 17 games left and we have to commit to those 17 games just like we did on Tuesday.” 

Where Exeter’s season goes from here depends on maintaining the work rate and spirit seen against Forest. “If we get that level of performance, I am so excited for the next 17 games and where this team can go,” Caldwell added, his belief in the squad evident. But he knows preparation is key: “That starts with recovery and training, and at 12.30 on Saturday, we will be ready to compete.”