V Hartlepool (H) Preview

Colchester play Hartlepool at home, playing at the WHCS for the third time in a week. They’ll be looking to get another three points after Tuesday night’s solid win against Stockport.

The side will also want a solid attendance having seen a all-time high of 8,000 turn up last weeekend for the Essex derby against Southend, followed just over 3,000 only this week.

Vital Quotes:

Colchester boss Paul Lambert told the BBC after the win in midweek:-“I`m not one for letting thing manifest; when they do manifest, that`s when you have problems. I thought, from the kick-off, that we were the better side.”

Hartlepool manager Chris Turner told their Offical Website after the win in midweek:- “We want to get oin behind Colchester and try to cause them problems; we certainly won’t be sitting back.”

U’s Team News:

Winger Simon Hackney is unlikely to start the game following his calf trouble during Teusday’s game; he made his first full start for the club on Tuesday.

Johnnie Jackson and John White will also miss out of the squad because of injury.

Striker Steven Gillespie is agaian set to be among the subs for the game, an could feature. Speculation remains as to Jamie Guy’s position in the squad, as well.

Lambert could opt for an unchanged starting XI, if Hackney passes as fit.

Player to watch: Kem Izzet

Paul Lambert gave him a glowing refference after the last game, and he is one of the most underated Colchester men, it seems.

Lambert says: “Kem`s been brilliant; since I`ve been here, he`s been a major plus.

He`s set himself a standard that I don`t expect him to go below. Him, along with [Dean} Hammond and [David] Perkins have been three big players for me.”

Just needs to master the art of scoring a goal every now and again to round of his high-level of performance.”

Hartlepool United Team News:

Daniel Nardiello is one of many away players facing an injury lay-off, which could work in the U’s favour.

Rune Lange, the new signing, is also sidelined, after the Norwegian damaged his shoulder a draw with Leicester.

Joel Porter and Michael Mackay are doubtful, which means winger Lewis Guy will be forced to move from the wing to an attacking role.

Boland (knee), Brown (knee), McCunnie (knee) and Robson (hamstring) are all out, leaving the side facing a crisis of personel.

Player to watch: Michael Mackay

If fit, will be the club’s only recognised striker. Has to step up and fill the void left by the absence of thier top scorer, Porter.

Match Facts & Stats

Walker; Maybury, Reid, Baldwin, Tierney; Hackney, Hammond, Izzet, Perkins;
Yeates, Platt.

U’s: last five – W-L-L-L-W.

Ref Watch:

Referee: Mike Jones, (Ipswich).

Match Prediction:

Tight, but a U’s victory. 2-1 to the home side!

Next Fixtures:

The U’s entertain Huddersfield on Tuesday night.