Cambridge United head coach Neil Harris unsure of what to expect from new Fleetwood Town boss Charlie Adam

Cambridge United head coach Neil Harris believes the fact that Saturday’s opponents Fleetwood Town are bottom of the table is a clear indication of the strength of this season’s Sky Bet League One line-up.

Despite having the likes of Jack Marriott and Jayden Stockley within their ranks, the Cod Army will head to the newly-sponsored Cledara Abbey Stadium rooted to the basement and on a run of no win from their last nine league outings, seven of which they have lost.

“If you look at their squad on paper, it is talented. We have to make sure that talent doesn’t come to fruition against us and that we’re competitive and the best version of us,” said Harris, who will be looking for his side to bounce back from a sequence of three straight defeats in all competitions.

“We focus purely on us and making sure that we can get back to winning ways, but ultimately it is a tough division this year – as it was last year.

“It shows the challenge in every game when you’ve got such good players that have struggled.”

It has been a period of upheaval for Fleetwood, who recently appointed their third permanent boss of the campaign in the form of ex-Scotland international and former Glasgow Rangers midfielder Charlie Adam.

The 38-year-old, who has never previously managed at senior level, has so far overseen back-to-back 3-1 losses at the hands of Shrewsbury Town and Derby County.

And while Harris is well versed on the quality within the Fleetwood squad, he is unsure of what to expect from his opposite number.

The U’s chief added: “I’ve been in that situation of being new to a football club and at the start of your managerial career.

“We don’t know what we’re going to face and sometimes that’s an exciting challenge and proposition as well.

“It enables you to focus more on yourself so we’ll be prepared for Fleetwood, of course we will. Individually we know what the players are and how they play.

“Even when we get the team sheet it might be two-fold to what they can do and we’ll adjust accordingly if need be.”

Elias Kachunga has trained this week following a hamstring injury and Harris is hopeful that the German-born attacker will be fit to return to the squad for the weekend.

George Thomas has also been sidelined with a similar problem, but despite returning to training, this game could come too soon for the midfielder.

United have won their last three meetings in a row against Fleetwood, two of which have been on home soil.