Colchester v Plymouth Preview

Plymouth come to north Essex on Tuesday night looking for their first away win in 7 games, only previously attaining 3 Draws away from home in the last six.

Colchester on the other hand have lost just once in their last six games at home, winning four and drawing the other one, scoring 8 in the process and conceding just 3.

Plymouth are just one of a handful of Championship sides who have made the long trip to Layer Road in the recent past, winning the previous match between the two sides 0-2 in November 2003, a League Division Two encounter.

Colchester will be playing what is to be their first ever home game in the Championship and will be looking to come away with their first points after Saturday`s unlucky defeat to last seasons premiership side Birmingham City.

Vital Colchester expect new manager Geriant Williams to field an unchanged side that was narrowly defeated at St Andrews, opting to keep Australian Richard Garcia up front, partnering home debutant Jamie Cureton. Garcia who scored Colchester`s first ever goal in this division would be expecting to keep his place.

Iwelumo came on as a late substitute on Saturday and although looking sharp and having a late chance to equalize, he saw his shot pass narrowly wide of Maik Taylors goal, he could well see himself remaining on the bench, however Williams has proved he is not scared to make substitutions when needed and the 6ft 4inch striker will almost definitely play some part. Iwelumo had declared himself fit last week following a summer hernia operation and shaking off a preseason Knee injury, however his lack of match fitness and a short pre-season has seen Williams opt for the partnership of Cureton and Garcia.

George Elokobi would seem favorite to keep his place at Left Back, starting in place of John White who also entered the fray via the substitute`s bench on Saturday.

Colchester Man to Watch:

Kevin Watson


With one point on the board from Saturdays home draw with Wolves, Argyle will travel to north Essex looking to gain at least a point at Layer Road, in what promises to be an interesting encounter, however the U`s will have to be on their guard with the summer signing of Veteran Barry Hayles scoring Argyles only goal on 35 minutes after putting on an all action show, and with influential midfielder David Norris and dead ball expert Paul Wotton both likely to start, classy midfielder Kevin Watson and the central defensive partnership of Pat Baldwin and Wayne Brown will have to be on the top of their respective games.

Plymouth however will be without midfielder Lilian Nalis who damaged ankle ligaments on Saturday, he could be replaced by 18 year old Luke Summerfield, son of former pilgrims coach Kevin Summerfield.

Plymouth Man to Watch:

Barry Hayles

The U`s more than matched their former premiership counterparts on Saturday and have nothing to fear from what promises to be an exciting season for the Layer Road faithful, who have a big part to play over the coming season, indeed they can be very proud of the way they supported their team on the opening day.

A large crowd (In Layer Road Terms) and lots of noise coupled together with our compact Stadium will play a large part in our season and with two home games in quick succession the U`s will need to avoid defeat to start to build the foundations of their stay in the Championship.

Vital Colchester Prediction:

2-1 to the U`s

Officials:

Referee - Mr R J Booth (Nottinghamshire)

Assistant Referee - Mr J E Pearce (Norfolk)(Red/Yellow Flag)

Assistant Referee - Mr K G Yeo (Essex)(Yellow Flag)

Fourth Official - Mr J Hayto (Essex)

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