Preview: Colchester United vs. Rochdale - prediction, team news, lineups

They boast a combined total of one victory between them, with Saturday's game representing the ideal opportunity for both teams to pick up three points.

Match preview

Rock-bottom of the EFL, Rochdale's start to the campaign has been nothing short of dismal, with off-the-pitch issues translating to on-the-pitch results.

With just two points to their name, Rochdale can ill-afford anymore slip-ups, despite only being nine matches into the campaign.

Losers in seven of their outings so far, Rochdale's defensive woes have also contributed to their downfall, as they enter the weekend without a clean sheet in the league this season.

It has not been a much better start to the season for Colchester, who have just one victory in the league to their name.

Just two points and two places above the relegation zone, Colchester do enter the weekend having lost just one of their last three matches, albeit remaining winless in that period.

Following relegation from League One in 2015-16, Colchester are in danger of dropping out of the EFL altogether, unless they can improve a torrid start to the campaign.

However, history suggests that it could be another difficult weekend for Colchester, as they are winless against Rochdale in over 10 years.

April 2011 was the last time that Colchester notched up a win against Rochdale, with the U's having since gone eight matches against the Greater Manchester side without a win.

Six of those eight games did come in League One, with last season's League Two meetings both finishing in draws.

Colchester United League Two form:

W

L

L

D

D

L

Colchester United form (all competitions):

L

L

D

W

D

L

Rochdale League Two form:

L

L

D

D

L

L

Rochdale form (all competitions):

L

D

D

L

L

W

Team News

A bruising defeat against high-flyers Northampton Town last time out saw Rochdale concede three, with goalkeeper Richard O'Donnell set for another difficult weekend between the sticks.

Since arriving from Stockport County, striker Scott Quigley has made a strong impression, netting twice in three outings.

Quigley will be paired by Devante Rodney and Abraham Odoh in attack, as the trio look to change Rochdale's fortunes.

Goalkeeper Kieran O'Hara will be tasked with trying to secure Colchester's first clean sheet since mid-August when he starts between the sticks for the U's.

Experienced at this level, Colchester will once again turn to the talents of striker Frank Nouble for goals this weekend.

Newcastle United loanee Matty Longstaff will start in midfield for Colchester as they seek a much-needed victory on Saturday.

Colchester United possible starting lineup:

O'Hara; Dallison, Chambers, Eastman; Coxe, Longstaff, Judge, Clampin; Lubala, Nouble, Appiah

Rochdale possible starting lineup:

O'Donnell; Keohane, Graham, Nelson, White; Brierley, Diagouraga; Odoh, Ball, Rodney; Quigley

We say: Colchester United 2-0 Rochdale

There have been few highlights so far this season for either team, as the pair begin proceedings already fearing for their safety.

Despite their own troubles, Colchester should have enough to get past a woeful Rochdale on Saturday.

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