Mark Bonner expects Cambridge United to face tough challenge at Plymouth Argyle in League One

Mark Bonner will be looking for Cambridge United to counter Plymouth Argyle’s expansive shape in Sky Bet League One tonight (kick off 7.45pm).

The U’s will be taking the train to Devon today for their clash at Home Park, seeking an immediate bounce back after a 2-1 defeat at Accrington Stanley last Saturday.

The head coach was encouraged by the way United responded to going 2-0 down in the North West, with Joe Ironside grabbing the U’s goal in the 79th minute but they could not complete their fightback to get a point.

He will want more of the same in Plymouth, where the U’s drew 0-0 on their last visit in February 2020 in League Two.

“We know what a tough game it will be,” said Bonner. “We went there a couple of seasons ago and had a really tricky game.

“They’ve done well in League One over the last couple of years. Ryan (Lowe, Plymouth’s manager) has built a good side, they’ve recruited really well in the summer.

“They haven’t finished yet; I think the depth of their squad they would be the first to say they would want a little bit more in.

“The starting team and one or two options they’ve got around it make them a really strong team, and you saw that in the performance against Gillingham at the weekend.

“We know we’re in for a tough game but we’ve got to give ourselves the best chance, and be really competitive.”

Plymouth started their season with a 2-0 defeat at Rotherham United, but registered their first win at the weekend, with Luke Jephcot netting in the 88th minute in a 1-0 win at home to Gillingham.

“They’ve got some talented players with the ball and play with a really expansive shape, wanting to move the ball well,” said Bonner.

“They have signed well defensively this year, the additions of Galloway, Gillesphey, Scar, Wilson, they have really changed the back end of the team.

“They will be looking of course to bring that organisation to their team. From our point of view, it’s how we crack that and deal with the style they’ve got, the size they make the pitch, how well they move the ball and how we deal with their attacking midfield players.

“And carry a threat against them to make sure they are defending in periods of the game as well."