The U's travel to Edgely Park this weekend, where they will face a confident Stockport County. The Hatters won 1-0 twice last season against Colchester, with Kyle Wootton scoring on both occasions.
Stockport
Stockport have been immense so far in League Two and the goal of earning promotion looks very attainable. After 17 matches, they lead the way at the top of the table, picking up 38 points and only losing three times. The Hatters have been victorious in 12 games, winning all of their last 11 League Two games. David Challinor has created a system that allows his side to have the best attack in the league (37 goals) and the third best defence, conceding just 1.06 goals per match on average. They have also only failed to score once this season.
The side must feel unstoppable at the moment and winning seems inevitable. Stockport beat Swindon 4-2 last time out in the league, despite going behind twice. They scored four times in the second half to secure the victory. However, the side did suffer their first defeat since August in the mid-week 2-0 EFL Trophy loss to Bolton, where the boss rotated.
Colchester
The U's are also on an impressive run in league Two at the moment, picking up ten points from their last four matches, half of their tally for the season. This form has occurred since the arrival of new boss, Matthew Etherington, and he will be hoping his side can cause an upset this week. Colchester are in 16th and their biggest downfall has been their vulnerable defence that has conceded the joint fourth most goals per game, 1.82 on average. The side do have a respectable output in the final third (1.53 scored per match), but they have lost just over 60% of their away matches.
Last time out, Colchester were held to a 1-1 home draw by bottom of the table, Sutton. The hosts dominated and after an 80th minute Arthur Read goal, it looked set they would pick up another three points. However, the visitors scored at the death via a set piece.
Verdict?
Both sides are in excellent form but the momentum behind Stockport should carry them through this game. The late equaliser in Colchester's recent game is a kick in the teeth and they will be desperate to bounce back. A home win is priced at 2/5 and Colchester are 11/2 to win.
The final prediction is Stockport 2-1 Colchester.
