U’s just keep on winning

Colchester United travel to Leeds United in their latest Coca Cola Championship fixture.

The U’s are riding high on a wave of confidence after dispatching the league leaders Cardiff at Layer Road last weekend.

For Leeds however it is a different story. One of the biggest teams outside of the Premiership, United were tipped to do big things this year after reaching the Play Off final the previous season but things haven’t gone to plan.

After a poor start to the season Kevin Blackwell was sacked and has recently been replaced by Dennis Wise (partnered by Gus Poyet). Things though have not improved greatly and they now find themselves 23rd in the league table.

Vital Quotes:

‘As a footballing side, box-to-box we didn’t have a problem. Even in the early games this season, teams weren’t passing us off the park, or enjoying 80% possession against us,’

‘But chances weren’t being taken. We needed a bit of tightening up at the back, a bit of finishing practice, but the players have worked hard to improve things.

‘We’re thoroughly enjoying it now’

Colchester manager Geraint Williams on settling down in the Championship.

Leeds United Team News:

Central defender Matt Heath could go straight into the Leeds starting XI after joining on loan from Coventry.

Striker David Healy serves a one match suspension while ‘Keeper Graham Stack is expected to retain his place ahead of Neil Sullivan and Tony Warner.

Player to watch: Dennis Wise

Many eyes will be on Uniteds new manager who needs to turn round the clubs fortunes quickly.

Colchester United Team News:

Richard Garcia returns from an ankle injury while Kem Izzet has recovered from a knock picked up in the 3-1 victory over Cardiff.

Chris Barker is expected to return at left back but Kevin Watson is still out with a calf injury.

Player to watch: Jamie Cureton

Has been a regular scorer for the U’s this season and scored his 8th goal of the season from the penalty spot against Cardiff and will relish the challenge against a Leeds defence that has conceded many goals this season.

Match Facts & Stats

LEAGUE POSITIONS
Leeds: 23rd
Colchester: 9th

LAST SIX GAMES
Leeds: LLLWLL
Colchester: LWLWDW

TOP SCORER
Leeds: David Healy 5
Colchester: Jamie Cureton 8

Ref Watch:

REFEREE: M J Jones
ASSITANTS: SP Cummins and J Waugh
FOURTH OFFICIAL: W E Grunill

Match Prediction:

The U’s travel to out of form Leeds full of confidence but will need to improve their away form to pick up three points.

MATCH PREDICTION; Leeds 1-2 Colchester

Next Fixtures:

Sunderland V Colchester United
Leeds United V Southampton