The League table says it all – Colchester & Covenrty are 14th and 15th respectivly in the division, but would love to be higher.
Coventry could not, it is easy to assume, have had a worse week: the club was subject to a failed takeover bid, they have a transfer embargo and thier manager, Iian Dowie, is on the verge of quiting if you believe the bookies.
It’s hardly all roses at Colchester either, because boss Geriant Williams worried some fans by suggesting that his leacky back four are still learning the trade.
On the plus side, both teams are gunning for a win and U’s skipper Karl Duguid said this week that Colchester are capable of being anyone in the division.
Then again, City’s Julian Gray thinks the same about his team, too…
To add some spice, U’s number two Micky Adams returns to a club that he once guided to an 8th-place finish, in 2005-6.
Vital Quotes:
Quotes: Coventry
‘I am not here to talk about anything other than Coventry City,’
‘I don’t want to give any credence to any story, so I will talk about Coventry and nothing else.
‘I am not going to say anything because you just end up being mis-quoted and re-quoted about different things.
‘We have a big game against Colchester and then West Ham in the (Carling) cup and I am not getting drawn into any conversation about any other issues.’ – Dowie in the Coventry Telegraph this week denies he’s about to take the job at Leicester.
Quotes Colchester
‘It’s a young back four and that must be a factor because they’re learning their game.
‘But it’s good for Colchester United in the long run because we are bringing youngsters through into the team.
‘Now we have to work hard together and cut out the little errors sooner rather than later.’ – Geriant Williams, whose comments worried some of the fans, told the Colchester Evening Gazette why his team has conceeded 22 goals this term.
Coventry City Team News:
Gary Borrowdale could be out of action for six weeks after he ruptured ankle ligaments in the midweek defeat to Watford. The only other ansentee for the Sky Blues Michael Hughes, whose new blow rules him out for six weeks.
Player to watch: Michael Doyle
Skipper Michael Doyle. Has the same influence as Colchester’s Yeates on his team and has hit three goals this season.
Colchester United Team News:
Colchester are expected to start with Davison in goal once more, with a toss-up between Bela Baloug and returning skipper Karl Duguid at right back. Matthew Connolly should replace Adam Virgo in the centre of defence, while Kevin Watson is pushing for a first start after spening the last two games on the bench after an Achilies injury. Up frint, Clive Platt and Kevin Lisbie should keep thier places, with Jamie Guy missing out and Teddy Sheringham on the bench.
Player to watch: Clive Platt
After Irishman Mark Yeates, this man deserves priase. The 29-year-old was a lower league stwalwart but now has four goals from ten games, including tuesday’s beleter in the loss to Ipswich, and is taking his chance very well.
Match Facts & Stats
Coventry have just 15 points from 12 Championship games, and the U’s have got the second-best attack in the league. They also have the second-worst defence.
Ref Watch:
Ray Lee of Brentwood, Essex is the man in black.
Match Prediction:
Coventry 2 Colchester 2
Next Fixtures:
Last Five Games Coventry: D,W,L,L,L
Last Five Games U’s: L,W,L,W,L
Next Game: Colchester Leicester (H)
Next Game: Coventry West Ham (Carling Cup) (H)
Would like to see Watson get a start soon.