Wolves v Cambridge

Wolves v Cambridge United

Molineux

Kick off 2pm

Cambridge United are talking up their chances of piling on the problems for Wolves by causing an FA Cup shock at Molineux tomorrow.

And the promotion-challenging Conference club believe they have historical precedent pointing to a difficult afternoon for Mick McCarthy and his team at Molineux.

It was on the very same day and in the same round 17 years ago that a Championship-level Wolves team were beaten by a then Fourth Division Cambridge 1-0 at the crumbling old Molineux.

Not even Steve Bull in his pomp could rescue Wolves that day despite the then manager Graham Turner beginning his programme notes: "There will be some shocks. We just have to make sure there isn't one at Molineux. . ."

For a similar outcome tomorrow Cambridge have a much bigger gulf in status to overcome but they have tuned in to the recent discord around Molineux and found an echo of the day John Beck's old team won with a Chris Leadbitter goal.

Cambridge veteran defender John Taylor was one of the men who kept Bull in check that day and he has been eagerly recalling the occasion in the belief that a similarly famous day could be ahead of the team now managed by Jimmy Quinn.

"It was a very cold, rainy, windy day and the pitch was muddy," he says. "I don't think it was the best game in the world, but it was a typical Cup tie.

"It was a big test for us, but it was a wonderful day and I can remember it was a great victory because Wolves were on a good run at the time.

"Wolves would probably win tomorrow's game nine times out of 10, but you can bet your bottom dollar there's going to be an upset somewhere on Saturday.

"Jimmy (Quinn) will get them up for it and give them the belief they can beat Wolves."

And, Phil Chapple, another survivor from their 1991 victory – a year which saw Cambridge make the first of two successive quarter-final appearances – agrees the omens are there.

He says: "Molineux is always a great place to go now it's fully developed – it really is a good stadium. When we went we had to change in those old Portakabins.

"But there's an anxiousness about the Wolves crowd and they haven't been on the best of runs.

"I watched them play Leicester and they struggled, so if United can keep them quiet they've got an outside chance, even though they're three divisions below them.

"Wolves are expected to win, but that puts added pressure on them and if it's still 0-0 at half time their fans will become restless, and that will transmit to the players."

Of minor consolation to Wolves that day was the fact that United's win at Molineux was not the biggest upset – with the Isthmian League's Woking, inspired by hat-trick hero Tim Buzaglo, knocking out Albion 4-2 at The Hawthorns.

But with McCarthy facing some serious grumbling for the first time in his Molineux reign, the Wolves boss dare not give his critics any more room to manoeuvre.

Wolves extra class should tell providing the players handle the psychology of the occasion but with some of their more experienced figures such as Jody Craddock, Gary Breen and Matt Murray still missing, that will not be as easy as it seems.

More than 4,000 Cambridge fans are expected to make the trip and give their side a noisy backing in a game which holds much less appeal for Wolves devotees.

And while the Conference club's hopes of cashing in big time with a 25,000 crowd are likely to be achieved, the incentive is no less fierce – especially for their midfielder Courtney Pitt.

Pitt said: "It's a good draw for me personally because Wolverhampton is my girlfriend's home town, so that will be quite interesting.

"I also made my debut at Molineux for Portsmouth, so I'm looking forward to it and I think we'll give them a good game.

"We'll try our best to keep it tight, but we'll just have to enjoy the occasion because we know that they're going to be a good side and hopefully we'll have a chance."

Assistant manager Alan Lewer felt there was no reason why United could not cause a big upset. He said: "It's a great draw and I think we'll have a big following of our fans.

"The good thing is there will be no pressure on us and you've always got a chance. It would be fantastic if we don't win to at least bring them back here."

And Cambridge director Phil Law warns his hosts: "I think this is one of the most talented sets of players we've had at the club for a number of years.

"It will be 11 against 11 and I think we've got a shout of winning the game."