Barnet FC face Cambridge United in Carabao Cup opener on 8 August
Dean Brennan’s squad includes eleven new signings for the 2026/27 season as they travel to Cledara Abbey Stadium
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Barnet FC will open their 2026/27 competitive season with a Carabao Cup first-round match against Cambridge United at Cledara Abbey Stadium on 8 August. The Bees, managed by Dean Brennan, travel up the A1 to face Neil Harris’s side, who secured promotion from League Two last season.
Brennan has overseen a significant squad overhaul during the summer transfer window. Eleven new players have joined Barnet, blending experience with emerging talent. Among them, centre-back Nik Tavares has extended his stay, while defender Myles Kenlock has returned after a strong pre-season.
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Pre-season preparation and last year’s cup exit
Barnet have played nine pre-season friendlies, including matches against MK Dons and Bromley. The team’s last Carabao Cup campaign ended in disappointment, losing to Newport County on penalties after a late comeback forced extra time. This year, Brennan’s side will aim to progress past the first round.
Cambridge United return to League One after a single season in League Two. Manager Neil Harris has also refreshed his squad, signing seven new players, including former Everton forward Isaac Heath. However, ex-Barnet striker Callum Stead will miss the match due to a pre-season injury.
Barnet FC draw 1-1 with Bromley in final pre-season friendly at The Hive
Kabongo Tshimanga’s penalty and a long-range equaliser from J J McKieran secured the stalemate ahead of the League Two season opener
Key players and tactical outlook
Barnet forward Kabongo Tshimanga, who scored twelve goals in nineteen appearances after joining in January 2026, will look to start the new season with a goal. Cambridge’s Ben Knight, who netted eleven league goals last season, remains a significant threat. Knight signed a long-term contract with the club after winning the League Two Player of the Month award in January 2026.
In last season’s league meetings, Barnet managed just one goal against Cambridge across two matches. Neither side conceded in either fixture. Harris praised Brennan’s work at Barnet during a pre-match interview, highlighting the consistency of the team’s style under his management.
“That’s what you get with longevity of a manager at a football club and the style of play that’s there etc.”
Neil Harris, Cambridge United manager
What happens next
The match kicks off at Cledara Abbey Stadium on 8 August. Barnet’s league campaign begins at home the following week. The winner of the tie will advance to the second round of the Carabao Cup, with the draw scheduled for 9 August.
Questions this report answers
+When is Barnet FC’s first Carabao Cup match?
Barnet FC will play Cambridge United in the Carabao Cup first round on 8 August 2026 at Cledara Abbey Stadium. The match marks the start of their competitive season before the league campaign begins.
+How many new players has Dean Brennan signed for Barnet FC?
Dean Brennan has added eleven new players to Barnet FC’s squad for the 2026/27 season. The signings include a mix of experienced players and young talent, as reported by the club’s official website.
+Who is Cambridge United’s key player to watch?
Ben Knight is a key player for Cambridge United. He scored eleven league goals in the 2025/26 season and won the League Two Player of the Month award in January 2026, as confirmed by Barnet FC’s match preview.
+What happened in Barnet FC’s last Carabao Cup match?
Barnet FC lost to Newport County in the Carabao Cup preliminary round last season after a penalty shootout. The team had forced extra time with a late comeback but were eliminated, as detailed in the club’s match preview.
Barnet Press News Desk
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