League 2 
Colchester will be aiming to distance themselves from the relegation zone with a win this weekend as they are set to host Accrington Stanley at the JobServe Community Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
After a disappointing start to their campaign, Colchester currently find themselves in 22nd position in League Two, having gained just 29 points from their opening 31 league outings. The U’s currently have a six point buffer between themselves and the relegation zone.
Last time out, Colchester were narrowly defeated by Harrogate Town. Colchester dominated the first half when fierce long-range efforts from Cameron McGeehan and Noah Chilvers both required smart saves from James Belshaw.
Alistair Smith also headed wide from four yards with the goal at his mercy. However, a stoppage time Jack Muldoon goal secured a lucky victory for Harrogate as Colchester deserved at least a point from their travels.
Colchester’s midweek clash against Grimsby Town was postponed on Tuesday due to a waterlogged pitch. This may mean that the U’s players are more refreshed heading into thai weekend as they have had longer to prepare than their opposition.
Accrington are currently occupying 12th position in the league table , having gained 45 points from their opening 31 league games. In what is a very tight League Two table, Accrington are just two points behind the playoff places.
The ‘Owd Reds’ form has slightly dropped off in recent months following a respectable start to the season, which at one point saw them sit third in the standings. Accrington have succumbed to two defeats in their last five matches, managing two wins and one draw. Last time out, Stanley faced AFC Wimbledon at home comfortably beating the Dons 2-0.
The fixture of Colchester vs Accrington has a relatively short history, with the two teams having first met in 2004 in the FA Cup, a game which Colchester won 2-1.
Colchester recorded a narrow victory when these two sides met in the reverse fixture in October. Despite Accrington's pressure and double-figure chances, Colchester opened the scoring in the 57th minute. Taylor broke from his own half and the on-loan Luton striker's initial shot was saved by McCracken but he pounced to fire home from a tight angle.
These sides are evenly matched at the bookies ahead of this game, however it is Colchester who are narrowly favoured and currently priced @ 11/8, whilst an away win for Accrington is priced @ 17/10 and a draw is currently @ 5/2.
We are backing Colchester to win and under 2.5 goals in the game. The U’s have shown significant signs of improvement under Danny Cowley and we expect them to be a tough opposition this weekend.