Cambridge United v West Ham United
Greg Taylor Testimonial, Abbey Stadium, Tuesday 6 December, 7pm GMT
West Ham United will return to men’s first-team action on Tuesday for their first mid-season friendly ahead of the resumption of the 2022/23 Premier League season.
The competitive domestic schedule has paused for the 2022 FIFA World Cup since November 13, and as part of the return of English football, West Ham United will play a handful of friendlies ahead of their Boxing Day clash at Arsenal.
The return to action starts with a friendly away to Cambridge United – a fixture that will also mark the testimonial of Cambridge United legend and West Ham United supporter Greg Taylor.
Ahead of the fixture on December 6, here is everything you need to know…
TICKETS
Tickets are still available to purchase for West Ham United's trip to Abbey Stadium.
The Hammers have been given 1,463 Standard Tickets (unreserved seating).
Season Ticket Holders and Bondholders can purchase tickets here.
PREVIOUS MEETINGS
West Ham last faced Cambridge United in competitive action in May 1993, when a 2-0 First Division victory at the Boleyn Ground famously secured promotion to the Premier League.
A starting XI including the likes of Julian Dicks, Luděk Mikloško and Kevin Keen – who made his last appearance before moving to Wolverhampton Wanderers – guided the Hammers to a 2-0 win over Cambridge United. David Speedie and Clive Allen scored West Ham United’s goals in front of over 27,000 at Boleyn Ground.
HOW TO WATCH?
West Ham United's mid-season friendly with Cambridge United will be streamed for free on the Club's YouTube channel.
Fans will be able to watch the Hammers' trip to the Abbey Stadium on Tuesday 6 December (kick-off 7pm GMT) - a match that starts David Moyes' men's preparations for the resumption of the 2022/23 Premier League season and serves as a testimonial for the U's long-serving defender Greg Taylor.
You will be able to watch the fixture against Cambridge United right here and at youtube.com/westhamunited.
TEAM NEWS
West Ham United will be without five players who have been in action at the 2022 FIFA World Cup finals - Declan Rice, Thilo Kehrer, Nayef Aguerd, Alphonse Areola and Lucas Paquetá.
The rest of the first-team squad returned to training on Thursday 1 December - and could be part of Moyes’ squad to travel to Cambridge on Tuesday 6 December.
TRAVEL
The Abbey Stadium is located two miles north-east of Cambridge city centre, it is easily accessible by road and using public transport via bus and train.
It is important to note that there is no parking available for away fans at the ground, although a Park & Ride is available on matchdays a short distance from the Abbey Ground. This service goes to the City Centre but passes and stops near the ground.
If you are travelling by train, you have two options. The main Cambridge Railway Station is over two miles away from Abbey Ground. The station is served by trains from London King's Cross, Liverpool Street, Birmingham New Street, Norwich and Ipswich. You can also travel by train to Cambridge North.
You can complete your journey via a taxi or a bus. A Citibus C3 bus stops within a few yards of the ground (Ditton Walk stop) on Newmarket road.
An 'Away Supporters' guide can be found here.
THE OPPOSITION
Originally formed as Abbey United in 1913, Cambridge United changed its name when the club turned professional 36 years later.
As it stands, Cambridge United play in EFL League One and currently sit 20th in the table with six wins from 20 games played.
The club are managed by Head Coach Mark Bonner, who has been in charge of the U’s since 2020. He previously worked at the club as an assistant manager and as a youth coach at the club.
Last season, Cambridge United finished 14th in League One, with 15 wins from their 46 games. They also memorably beat Newcastle United 1-0 in the FA Cup third round at St James Park, with Joe Ironside netting the winner in January 2022.
WHO IS THE TESTIMONIAL FOR?
The fixture is a testimonial for Greg Taylor, who marks his tenth season with Cambridge United this campaign.
The 32-year-old defender has been at the Abbey Stadium since a summer 2013 transfer from Luton Town and has gone on to make in excess of 350 appearances for the club.
In that time, Taylor has recorded two promotions, one FA Trophy, and a Player of the Year award, playing every game in each of the promotion-winning campaigns. He is one of the most decorated players to feature for Cambridge United and will mark his testimonial against the Club he supports.
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Neil Hair
Assistants: George Byrne and Gareth Viccars
Fourth Official: Stacey Fullicks
