Fleetwood Town v Colchester United: team news, odds, everything you need to know

COLCHESTER United travel to play Fleetwood Town in League Two this afternoon (kick-off 12.30pm).

The U’s head to Highbury Stadium for the televised clash on the back of a four-game unbeaten run and aiming to pull themselves away from the relegation zone.

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of U’s journey to meet the Cod Army.

Keep news

Colchester will check on the fitness of Tom Flanagan and Tom Hopper ahead of today’s game.

Flanagan missed the U’s win in Grimsby with a hip problem, while Hopper was absent with a groin problem.

(Image: RICHARD BLAXALL)

Jack Payne and JK Gordon are pushing for a recall after coming off the bench to combine for Colchester’s winner last weekend.

Milton Oni is out for several months after suffering a serious knee injury against Brentford.

Expected line-ups: Colchester United: Macey, Egbo, Goodliffe, Donnelly, Iandolo, McDonnell, Read, Payne, Anderson, Tovide, Taylor

Fleetwood Town: Harrington, Shaw, Bolton, Potter, Mackenzie Hunt, Johnston, Mayor, Helm, Virtue, Graydon, Coughlan.

Colchester manager Danny Cowley on Fleetwood game: “They have been able to put together a really good squad.

“In terms of squad depth and quality of players, they are absolutely top three in this division and that will undoubtedly be their ambition.

(Image: RICHARD BLAXALL)

“I know recently they’ve lost a little bit of rhythm because of the schedule and the international break and being canceled at the weekend, but we see a very good team with lots of attacking options, very good midfielders and we” We have to be at our very best to get a successful outcome.”

Head to head

Jamie McDonnell will be hoping to continue his excellent form against Fleetwood.

He will face former U’s midfielder Brendan Wiredu, who has been with the Cod Army since joining them from Colchester in the summer of 2022.

(Image: STEVE BRADING)

Last meeting

The last time Colchester United played Fleetwood Town was back in January 2016.

The League One game ended in a 1-1 draw at the Community Stadium, with Alex Gilbey giving the U’s a first-half lead but it was canceled out by Eggert Jonsson.

Judge

Experienced referee Darren Drysdale is the man in the middle today.

The Lincolnshire official has presided over 11 games this season and has shown 37 yellow cards and no reds.

Odds

Colchester are 14/5 to claim victory today, according to Paddy Power.

A Fleetwood win is seen at 10/11, while the draw is 5/2.

League Two fixtures, today (12.30 kick-off): Carlisle United v Crewe Alexandra, Fleetwood Town v Colchester United.