John McGreal takes his charges to the Jonny Rocks Stadium for the second time this season to play Cheltenham Town. Things have changed for the Gloucestershire club since that Carabao Cup match with a new manager since Gary Johnson’s sacking. Russ Milton is the caretaker boss and he has added to his ranks with 32-year-old striker Tyrone Barnett on loan from Port Vale. Cheltenham also picked up a useful victory at Cambridge last weekend. All of which proves that any team can defeat any other in league two this season.

Colchester sadly lost their unbeaten record to Northampton Town last week but have the chance to bounce back with a win against the Robins on Saturday. Cheltenham have made the game Retro Kit day and have urged supporters to bring their old kit, scarfs etc to wear them with pride. The offer I am sure would be extended to the Away faithful, many of whom will be sporting the smart new Camo Kit (I have one on order and hope to be sporting it at Prenton Park next week!).

Colchester still sit in the play off positions and a handy three points will enable them to get closer to leaders Lincoln City who travel to Exeter in an intriguing clash.

Table:
Lincoln 5 13
MK Dons 5 11
Exeter 5 10
Carlisle 5 10
Newport 5 10
COL U 5 8
Yeovil 5 8

If I were JM I would make two changes for the game tomorrow. Frank Nouble should be replaced by Luke Norris, who deserves a start and the opportunity to add to his goal tally. Defender Tom Eastman should return for Senior in a revised 3,4,3 formation

Team:

Barnes

Eastman Kent Prosser

Jackson Lapslie Pell Vincent-Young

Szmodics Norris Dickenson

Subs:
Ross Wright Comley Collins Nouble Mandron Senior

Thinking, JM prefers the option to play 5 at the back when defending away from home and to use the wing backs to both defend when we are on the defensive and to attack when we go forward. Both Jackson and Vincent-Young have pace to spare and I like the freedom for Dickenson to express himself as an out and out winger.

JM also has the option to use Mandron and Collins from the bench and big Frank Nouble as well if required. After two deserved draws at difficult grounds against two of the top teams, it is up to Colchester to go hunting for three points at the Jonny Rocks stadium.

The weather in Gloucestershire tomorrow is set fair with 22 degrees Celsius and sunshine the order of the day. The pitch will be pristine and the faithful will be in good voice.

In other news Brandon Comley has been called up to the Montserrat Squad for their CONCACAF Nations league qualifier against El Salvador and will fly out on Monday. Good Luck Brandon.

Safe journey to the travelling supporters. Enjoy the game and Up the U’s

Photo: Action Images

Colchester United Polls