Barnet come into this with mixed recent numbers, but their last two league games have produced five goals and both sides have found the net in each of those matches. Even so, their home record is still relatively controlled, with 26 goals scored and 23 conceded in 19 league games at this ground, which points more towards tight scorelines than open contests. A 1-1 type of game fits that profile better than a high-scoring afternoon.

Cambridge United are the more secure side in the table and arrive unbeaten in nine league matches, yet many of those results have been low-key. Their last six league games include three one-goal wins and three draws, while four of those six finished with two goals or fewer. Away from home they have conceded only 16 goals in 19 league trips, so they usually keep matches under some control even when they do not win them.

The head-to-head also leans towards restraint rather than chaos. The meeting at Cambridge in November finished 0-0, and four of the last seven competitive clashes have gone under 2.5 goals. Barnet’s recent home games have not been wildly open either, with three of their last four league matches at home producing two goals or fewer.

There is a small tension here because Barnet’s most recent away result was a 3-1 win at Milton Keynes Dons, and Cambridge were able to score five against Gillingham earlier in March. But those were the exceptions in otherwise calmer runs, and Cambridge’s 1-0 win over Salford plus their 0-0 at Walsall show they can keep things compact when needed.

My prediction is Under 2.5 Goals at 53/100. Cambridge have gone under 2.5 goals in four of their last six league matches, Barnet’s recent home pattern is also fairly tight, and the teams shared a 0-0 in their most recent league meeting. Cambridge’s strong away defensive record further supports a game that stays short on clear chances.