Cambridge United vs Carlisle preview - Double boost for Cambridge

Posted Friday, August 29, 2014 by PA

Cambridge have been boosted by the arrival of two new signings this week, with defenders Michael Nelson and Matteo Lanzoni joining ahead of Saturday's League Two clash with Carlisle at Abbey Stadium.

Italian-born Lanzoni, a former Sampdoria trainee, had spells with Oldham and Yeovil last season, while Gateshead native Nelson joined from Scottish outfit Hibs, having previously represented Bury, Hartlepool, Norwich, Scunthorpe and Bradford.

"I thought it was important we brought in someone who not only has experience, but who knew what playing in the Football League is all about and his CV up to this point has been at a lot higher level than League Two," manager Richard Money said of Nelson on CU Player. "He's what the group needed and he's fit and well and available."

Money reports that several players picked up bumps and bruises in last weekend's home loss to Morecambe but kept his cards close to his chest in terms of naming those individuals, while loan signing Jayden Stockley could feature after being an unused substitute for that fixture.

Carlisle's start to the season has been disrupted by injuries and boss Graham Kavanagh will be without several key players.

Courtney Meppen-Walter had knee surgery this week and will be sidelined for two months, while fellow central defender Troy Archibald-Henville's first appearance of the season has been delayed by a shin injury.

Another defender, Matty Robson, remains sidelined with a knee problem, but midfielder Danny Kearns is expected to be back in contention following illness and striker Mark Beck is close to returning from an ear problem.

The Cumbrians, relegated last May, are chasing their first win of the season after two draws and two defeats in their first four league matches.