Colchester United face the long trip up to Burnley looking to build upon their 4-3 home win over Derby a fortnight ago. The U’s registered their first points of the season with a hatrick from Jamie Cureton and strike partner Chris Iwelumo converting from the penalty spot.
Vital Quotes:
‘we go to Burnley believing we can win’
Johnnie Jackson is confident that the u’s can win at Turf Moor.
Burnley Team News:
Skipper Wayne Thomas is available again after serving a 1-match suspension.However defender John McGreal is a doubt with a back injury, while goalkeeper Danny Coyne continues his recovery from a knee injury.
Player to watch: Alan Mahon
Mahon does for Burnley what Kevin Watson does for the U’s. Links the play well and is lethal from set pieces. The U’s midfield will have to be on top of their game to stop him.
Colchester United Team News:
Johnnie Jackson returned to training this week after missing the last few games, he suffered a groin injury prior to the away defeat at West Brom, Jackson will travel and is expected to make the bench.
New signing Kevin McLeod is set to make his debut, while George Elokobi returns from suspension, however Marino Keith is still out with an ankle injury.
Player to watch: Kevin McLeod
The new signing will want to show his new club what he can do with a good performance.
Greg Halford will want to reaffirm his commitment to the u’s after his transfer drama.
Match Facts & Stats
LAST FIVE GAMES
Burnley: WDLLD
Colchester: LLLLW
TOP GOALSCORERS
Burnley- Steve Jones 2 Colchester- Jamie Cureton 3
HEAD TO HEAD
U’s wins Draw Clarets wins
4 3 9
LAST TIME OUT
Crystal Palace 2-2 Burnley
Colchester 4-3 Derby County
LAST MEETING
At Turf Moor: Burnley 3-0 Colchester 18/9/99 Division 2
At Layer Road: Colchester 1-2 Burnley 26/2/00 Division 2
Ref Watch:
Referee: R J Olivier
Assistants: K J Mattocks and B Roberts
Fourth official: P Varley
Match Prediction:
Turf Moor is a tough place to go and Burnley are a team that have play-off credentials. A point would be a good result on this trip but if they play like they did against Derby then the u’s have nothing to fear.
SCORE PREDICTION: Clarets 1-1 U’s
Next Fixtures:
Tuesday 12th September 2006
Burnley V Barnsley 7.45pm
Luton V Colchester 7.45pm
