What's your overall assessment of Cambridge's season and how realistic is finishing in the play-offs?
We could get to 7th place but probably won't, even with everyone stumbling around us.
Overall. a still inexperienced Derry has yet to convince a section of the crowd. I accept he's earned the right to go again and hope he's learned from this season's problems. No wins and 3 points from the first 8 games pushed him close to the sack by the end of September. Board stuck with him and we've had inconsistent but play-off dalliance form since.
The story of the season is probably the gaping Barry Corr shaped hole up front with flops as back up and no adequate replacement. Because I've got to a lot of away matches, I've enough wins and enjoyable performances to give the season a 7/10. If I'd only suffered our home form, it would probably be 5/10.
How are James Dunne and Adam McGurk performing these days?
Due to injury, Adam McGurk has still hardly featured. He'll probably be on the bench. James Dunne's defensive qualities have been a key part of what success we've had, especially away from home. That said, only recently return from injury, it's just possible he'll be on the bench to make way for Liam O'Neil (sacrificing bite in the tackle for admittedly better distribution, especially sideways). Word is that Dunny may not even be with us next season - I hope we'll see him starting on saturday and offered a new contract.
Who are the key players in this current Cambridge squad?
20-goal midfielder Luke Berry is too good for League Two and his goals have been valuable but Leon Legge is the rock that the defence and team have been built on. Will Norris is one of the best keepers in the division. Brad Halliday and Piero Mingoia down our right flank would be our main attacking threat from open play - IF we had a fit competent centre forward. As it is, Harrison Dunk leads on assists. You'll notice Uche Ikpeazu is playing, as will Mr Burgess.
What are the biggest strengths and weaknesses of this current U's team?
Main strength is team spirit and togetherness - which, along with fitness, means we'll press for 90+ minutes and defend effectively, especially away from the Abbey. Main weakness is we've played all season with virtually no fit strikers - goals from elsewhere and our defence/keeper (along with inconsistency of rivals) are the reasons we're still talking (whispering?) play-offs.
What do you expect Pompey's approach to Saturday's game to be? Do you think the players will be thinking of the beach or are you worried that playing without pressure will work against your team?
Happy the U's will rise to the occasion. We are well suited to frustrating a team "playing without pressure" and picking up a goal somehow - probably Berry free kick or Legge from a set piece. I'm sure that Pompey will give it a go and have the quality up front to get a win - but you never know.
Predict the outcome of the game.
Hoping for a cheeky 0 - 1 to keep the season alive but 3 - 1 to Pompey more likely as we chase it.