An in-form Colchester United will host League Two title-favourites Walsall at the JobServe Community Stadium on Saturday.
The U's may be 12 places and 22 points behind the Saddlers, but the visitors have struggled lately after an excellent first half of the season.
Match preview
© Imago
Danny Cowley's Colchester are currently on a four-game unbeaten streak, having won three and drawn one since their 1-0 victory over Bromley on January 18.
After picking up 10 points on their recent run, the U's are now 13th in League Two, 10 points behind the playoff spots with 18 games to play.
In the reverse fixture back in September, Colchester were on the receiving end of a 4-0 thrashing, though with the two sides in contrasting form at the moment, they may even feel confident of securing a positive result this time around.
Notably, Saturday's hosts have lost just one of their last nine home matches across all competitions, and have kept a commendable six clean sheets in the process.
This defensive solidity at the JobServe Community Stadium has helped Cowley's side to have the joint-best defensive record outside of the league's top seven, and Walsall will certainly find it tough to break down their opponents this weekend.
© Imago
Meanwhile, Mat Sadler's Walsall have stumbled at the start of 2025 after a strong opening leg of the campaign, winning just half of their six fourth-tier matches so far this year.
Most recently, the Saddlers drew 2-2 with Salford City, and they will be hoping that the draw can give them some stability to build on before their lead at the top of the table crumbles away completely.
However, Saturday's visitors have lost back-to-back away games for the first time since early September ahead of this weekend's trip to Colchester, and if this trend continues, then Doncaster Rovers could close the gap between first and second to just four points with a win.
The boss may suggest otherwise, but it is notable that Sadler's side have struggled since losing top scorer Nathan Lowe in January when he was recalled by parent club Stoke City, and they will have to replace his output if they are to get back to winning ways.
To make matters worse, Walsall have also failed to keep a single clean sheet this year, and given their opponents' defensive record, they may find themselves with no way back into the match should they fall behind early on.
Team News
© Imago
Boss Cowley revealed that Colchester rejected several bids for striker Samson Tovide in January, but given that he has been out injured since December, Lyle Taylor is likely to start once again.
Taylor will be flanked by Harry Anderson and Owura Edwards, while Jack Payne will be supporting the striker from an attacking midfield position.
As for Walsall, life without top scorer Nathan Lowe has been difficult so far, but Manchester United loanee Ethan Wheatley will be looking to contribute in his stead in a strike partnership with Josh Gordon.
One of three deadline-day signings, striker Ellis Harrison could provide an option from the bench if the visitors need a goal.
Similarly, midfielders Alfie Chang and Darius Lipsiuc are likely to make the squad, though Charlie Lakin, Ryan Stirk and Jamie Jellis can be expected to start in the centre of the park.
Colchester United possible starting lineup:
Macey; Egbo, Kelleher, Flanagan, Iandolo; McDonnell, Bishop; Anderson, Payne, Edwards; Taylor
Walsall possible starting lineup:
Simkin; Okagbue, Williams, Allen; Barrett, Lakin, Stirk, Jellis, L Gordon; J Gordon, Wheatley
We say: Colchester United 2-1 Walsall
Walsall may be top of the league, but they have been in mixed form lately and are still working to get back on track.
On the other hand, Colchester have been in strong form, and could prove too much for a visiting side that are adjusting to losing their top scorer.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
