Preview: Cambridge v Shrewsbury Town - Salop must bounce back

It is a quick turnaround for Gareth Ainsworth's men after the 2-1 defeat at home to the Tangerines on Wednesday night. 

They make the trip to Abbey Stadium to take on Gary Monk's U's - who have just two more points than Shrews. 

Aaron Pierre and Mal Benning picked up yellow cards on Wednesday evening, and they will be suspended for the clash, which gives other players an opportunity to show what they can do. 

"Another tough team," Ainsworth said about the trip to Cambridge. "The other night we played Blackpool, and I think it's a similar team. "It's a team that's been struggling for points this season.

"They've changed their style. They've got some quality players, some good individuals, some match-winners. We're going to have to be at our best with the two suspensions, we're going to have to rotate the team around, and it gives a chance and opportunity for other people to come in and show me what they can do.

"I'm sure they're itching to do that. They know what I expect, and the minimum is you give everything and you win the fight. Then we can show the quality once we start doing that."

Morgan Feeney has been back in training, and Josh Feeney is edging ever closer to a return to action for the game. 

After Wednesday night's result, Town are now rooted to the foot of the League One table - seven points adrift of safety. 

Ainsworth will have the January transfer window to perform surgery on his squad, but they need to stay in touching distance of the rest for when that moment comes. And the Town head coach believes there are many 'twists and turns' to come. 

He said: "With Burton winning the other night, the table changed again, but believe me, I think that there are a few teams nervous. And not just a few, I think that it goes right up to a few positions higher.

"I think there'll be many twists and turns. We've got a January window coming. We've got plenty to work on, and we're going to get better.

"So hopefully, we can start against Cambridge because we can leapfrog them. We could leapfrog another team if things go well for us, but at the moment, it's just process and performance.

"This identity that I want the boys to have, this never giving up, giving everything, that sort of thing is absolutely crucial. 

"They've run really hard midweek, so there could be a few new faces for Saturday. But I want to win.

"I want to be coming home from Abbey Stadium, a place where I played when I was younger. I know what it's like. I know how the Cambridge fans can get behind them.

"I'm asking the Shrewsbury fans to get down, get behind us. The away fans are always great, and hopefully, we can get three points."