Colchester United head to the league leaders this weekend, with Ben Garner in search of his first win as U’s Head Coach.
Garner’s side were narrowly beaten in his first game last weekend, a 1-0 home defeat to promotion-chasing Stockport County.
Up next for the newly appointed Head Coach is a trip to Brisbane Road and the League Two champions-elect, Leyton Orient.
Luke Chambers returned to the squad last weekend after recovering from an ankle injury, along with Emyr Huws who got his first minutes since the U’s home defeat to AFC Wimbledon on 29th December; Freddie Sears was also recalled to the matchday eighteen, getting his first game time since the U’s 3-1 win at Harrogate in January.
The Opposition
It will be no mean feat if the U’s manage to take three points from their match in East London this weekend – Leyton Orient have lost just once at home in the league.
Coming into the game after a free weekend (last match vs Mansfield postponed), Richie Wellens’ side sit six points clear of second, and nine ahead of fourth, closing in on a return to League One for the first time since the 2014/15 season.
With the tightest defence in the league, Lawrence Vigouroux has been a big part of the O’s success with twenty clean sheets in thirty-five matches – five more than any other ‘keeper in the division.
Another key member of the defence is former Shrewsbury Town and Crewe defender Omar Beckles. The Grenadian international has chipped in with three goals in thirty-five appearances this season, including the opener in Orient’s last game (1-1 vs Swindon Town).
Midfielder George Moncur could line up against his former side on Saturday afternoon – a hero from the 2014/15 season, Moncur has made thirty-four appearances for the O’s since his summer move from Hull City, although he has been limited to substitute appearances in his last three outings.
With goal threats from across the pitch, perhaps the most dangerous is Theo Archibald. The attacking midfielder has netted five times, he has also assisted six goals giving him the most goal contributions of anyone in the Orient side. The Scottish midfielder picked up the Sky Bet League Two goal of the month award for his sensational strike against Doncaster in January.
Last Time We Met
The U's were comfortably beaten in the last meeting with the O's. An own goal from Luke Chambers was followed by strikes from Theo Archibald and Charlie Kelman sealed the three points, with Noah Chilvers getting a late consolation for his team.
Ticket Info
Tickets are available to purchase from the U's Ticket Office until 2pm on Friday 17th March, before being available on the matchday. Click HERE for full prices and how to purchase.
Travel Info
Please check travel info to avoid disruption in getting to the game on Saturday, with strikes planned on the railway networks.
TFL - Click HERE.
National Rail- Click HERE.
iFollow
If you can't make it to the game on Saturday, you can keep up with it via iFollow. Audio Passes (£2.50 each) are available to purchase for UK supporters, while those outside the UK can also purchase a Match Pass (£10 each). Click HERE to see what options are available for you.