The U's get their Papa John's Trophy campaign underway at home to League One Gillingham on Tuesday evening.
Colchester United had their weekend's match against Sutton United called off the night before the game, after the visitors confirmed they would be unable to fulfil the fixture. The players and staff were in on Saturday to train and start their preparations for Tuesday's match against Gillingham.
It is the first game in Southern Group A of the Papa John's Trophy, with both sides looking to take an early advantage in the standings.
The Opposition - Gillingham
Steve Evans' side will return to the JobServe Community Stadium for the second time in three months, after playing one of their pre-season friendlies in North Essex earlier in the summer.
Like Colchester United, Gillingham were without a game on Saturday after their fixture against Charlton Athletic was postponed due to international call ups ffor the Addicks.
Their game prior to that was a fiesty affair against Shrewsbury Town with three players and Gillingham's assistant manager sent off in the late stages.
Vadaine Oliver leads the scoring charts for the Gills with two in seven games, benefitting from the 4-4-2 formation that the Kent side have been playing this season. Oliver's strike partner has varied pretty much from game to game, but the support of Dempsey and O'Keefe has been more consistent through the start of the season.
Last Time We Met
The last meeting between Colchester United and Gillingham came in 2019, when the U's ran out 3-2 winners at Priestfield in the same competition, although it had a different title sponsor then.
Paris Cowan-Hall opened the scoring in the first half before an equaliser from Stuart O'Keefe made it level at half time. Theo Robinson scored the second for the U's, then assisting the third with Cowan-Hall getting his second of the game. Mika Mandron netted for the hosts late on but it wasn't enough to stop the U's take three points from the tie.
Other Group Fixtures
Colchester United and Gillingham's Group Stage opponents are Ipswich Town and West Ham U21. They face eachother next Tuesday at Portman Road.
Match Permits
Single Match Permits remain on sale for Tuesday evening's fixture with the below prices from Col U Tickets. Click HERE to get yours.
Adult - £12
Concession - £10
Under 18 - £6
Aditional Under 11 - £2
For more information on the game and what to expect when you arrive at the JobServe Community Stadium, please click HERE.