COLCHESTER UNITED prepare to take on Leeds United for only the seventh time in their history tomorrow.
Both sides have had an impressive start to the new campaign, as the Whites sit top-of-the table, with the U’s in a in high-flying third.
Despite upheaval off the pitch the U’s have performed well under the guidance of caretaker Joe Dunne, while Simon Grayson looks to be the right man to take the visitors back up.
Vital Quotes:
Dunne: Leeds Will Finish Top
Dunne, currently in temporary charge of the U’s, said: ‘It is no surprise to me that Leeds United are at the top of the table and I believe that they will be Champions by the end of the season.
‘They had a season to consolidate and get things right under Simon Grayson and now he and they know what it’s about.’
Grayson Admits Tough Match Ahead
Ex-Blackpool boss Grayson said: ‘Colchester have had a good start.
‘Winning 7-1 at Norwich as they did on the opening day shows they have something about themselves, but as ever, we’re more interested in what we’re capable of rather than the opposition.’
Colchester United Team News:
Opening day two-goal hero Clive Platt returns to the fray after a three-match suspension.
However, full-back Lee Beevers (dislocated shoulder) missus the clash.
While, record-signing Steven Gillespie (hamstring) and Paul Reid (knee) are unavailable.
And young forward Jamie Guy, after his move away fell through, is still struggling with a knee injury.
U’s Squad: U’s: Williams, Cousins, Maybury, Okuonghae, Baldwin, Vincent, Platt, Izzet, Hackney, Fox, Holt, Perkins, Thomas, Lisbie, Wordsworth, Tierney, Lockwood, Vernon, Corcoran, Malton.
Player to watch: David Fox
The U’s classy player-maker already has two goals to his name this season and after committing his future to the U’s, Fox will be looking to shine once again.
Leeds United Team News:
Argentine striker Luciano Becchio is likely to return after being rested midweek.
Defensive pair Ben Parker and Richard Naylor remain long-term injury victims for the away side.
Player to watch: Jermaine Beckford
Top of the League One scoring charts already, with four goals, the pacy forward will be looking to build on a solid start to the season.
Last Time Out;
Weston Homes Community Stadium
Colchester 0-1 Leeds
Colchester: Mark Cousins, Alan Maybury, Neal Trotman, Pat Baldwin, Marc Tierney, David Perkins (Simon Hackney,) Kemal Izzet, Dean Hammond, Mark Yeates (Lewis Gobern,) Karl Hawley (Ashley Vincent,) Clive Platt.
Subs Not Used: Dean Gerken, John White.
Leeds: Casper Ankergren, Jonathan Douglas, Richard Naylor, Sam Sodje, Ben Parker, Robert Snodgrass (Andy Hughes,) Jonathan Howson, Neil Kilkenny (Andy Robinson,) Fabian Delph, Luciano Becchio (Liam Dickinson,) Jermaine Beckford.
Sub Not Used: David Lucas, Rui Marques.
Goals: Becchio 29
Attendance: 9,559
Date: 04/04/2009
Referee: A Woolmer
Ref Watch:
Referee: David J Phillips (W. Sussex)
Assistants: D D Bushell and M T McCoy
Fourth Official: M McLaughlin
Match Prediction:
StevieG Col U’s prediction: I’ll go for a 2-2 draw!
Next Fixtures:
Who? Gillingham (JPT)
Where? Priestfield Stadium
When? 01/09/2009
A Q & A Preview of the game can be read by, clicking here.
So what do you think?
Let us know with a comment below, or chat about this article in the forum. Not yet a member? Don’t panic, click on the banner below to join in.
We want to know YOUR thoughts…
VITAL COLCHESTER; YOUR VOICE, YOUR CHOICE!
VITAL COLCHESTER IS 100% UNOFFICIAL – FOR THE FANS, BY THE FANS!
Well – I guessed 2-2 and it should have been! Would have been a fair end to the IMO. Up the U’s!