Tranmere vs U's - Preview

Colchester United face a tough trip to Prenton Park tonight, where they will lock horns Tranmere Rovers.

The U's are without a manager, as Geraint Williams left on Monday morning, so caretaker-boss Kit Symons will take charge. Symons will be looking to the lift the U's following last week's disappointing defeat to MK Dons.

Rovers go into the game on the back of last weekend's draw with Peterborough United and will be looking to get a win.

Colchester caretaker-manager Symons told BBC Essex:

"I'm not going to try and reinvent the wheel.

"But I am going to implement certain different things and fine-tune certain areas which I'm hoping will make big differences.

"I've got a few games and a few weeks and hopefully when the chairman decides who is going to get the job, I'll have pushed myself to the top [of the list]."

Tranmere manager Ronnie Moore told BBC Merseyside:

"We're at home to Colchester, [they have a] new manager and he will be wanting the job.

"We have to be on our toes and make sure that we perform to the best of our ability.

"I think at home we're going to be a match for anybody that's for sure."

Tranmere boss Moore has a fully-fit squad at his disposal for the visit of the U's.

Charlie Barnett netted a reserve hat-trick midweek and could play.

Greenacre will be looking to build on last week's double strike at Peterborough.

Colchester will be without record signing Steven Gillespie (suspension).

New loan signing Gary Borrowdale could feature, as Matt Lockwood (tendinitis) misses out. Centre-half Pat Baldwin (shoulder) has regained full fitness.

Perkins impressed last week, despite the U's poor showing, and will be looking to do so once more.

Last time out:

Tranmere 1-0 Colchester

Layer Road

Colchester: Davison, Duguid, Brown, Chilvers, White (Campbell-Ryce 45), Halford, Danns, Watson, Yeates, Iwelumo (Vernon 88), Clarke (Thorpe 61).

Subs Not Used: Baldwin, Gerken.

Booked: Yeates, Brown.

Goals: Brown 63.

Att: 4,757

Referee: J Singh (Middlesex).

Referee: Neil D Swarbrick - From Lancashire

Assistants: P Bramley and N Greenhalgh

Fourth Official: W Trott

StevieG Col U's Prediction: I'll go for a 2-2 Draw!

The U's host Leicester City on Tuesday evening, while Rovers travel to Carlisle United on Saturday week.




We want to know YOUR thoughts...


VITAL COLCHESTER IS 100% UNOFFICIAL - FOR THE FANS, BY THE FANS

Use your social login to comment on front page articles. Login using you Facebook, Twitter, Google or LinkedIn accounts and have your say!