Picking up four points from a possible six in two home games, Colchester United will be looking to extend their good run of form on the road this weekend, and fourth place Port Vale.
The U's produced two late goals in their last two games, with Sylvester Jasper and Noah Chilvers on target in their respective fixtures against Harrogate Town and Bristol Rovers.
Hayden Mullins' side had been pegged back in the second half against Bristol Rovers oweing to a Brett Pitman header from the visitors, but a flurry of action in the final five minutes ensured the U's would take a point.
A frantic end to the game saw three red cards issued, two to Bristol Rovers players and the other shown to Junior Tchamadeu. But after a failed appeal from the club, the young full back will be missing for the next three games with his suspension upheld.
The U's management team will have some decisions to make on Saturday afternoon at Port Vale, with Miles Welch-Hayes returning to training this week, along with Cole Skuse after being substituted at half time on Tuesday night.
The Opposition
Darrell Clarke's side have started this season well, with the former Walsall manager having a full summer to shape the squad how he would have liked.
Sitting in fourth position, Vale are just a point out of the automatic promotion places, with Swindon Town, Harrogate Town and Forest Green the teams above them.
The strength of Clarke's team comes from the top of the pitch, with his side not registering a blank since the 17th August (twelve games ago). With twenty goals in the league, Vale are the joint fourth highest scorers so far this season with Jamie Proctor netting six of those.
The striker signed at Vale Park from Rotherham in the summer, along with eleven other arrivals including Ben Garrity from Blackpool for an undisclosed fee, Mal Benning from Mansfield Town and former Manchester United striker James Wilson from Salford City.
The goals have been spread throughout the squad with nine different players finding the back of the net in all competitions this season so far.
Last Time We Met
The U's were on the end of a 1-0 defeat in the last meeting between the two teams. The game was settled with a nineteenth minute strike from Devante Rodney, curling the ball into the top corner.
Tickets
Match tickets for the game at Vale Park can be purchased online prior to the fixture. Click HERE to get yours and support the U's on the road.
They will also be avaialble on the day from the away sales point, but this is CASH ONLY.