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

The two sides have both only gained three points so far this season, although Colchester have played one game fewer than the majority of the division.

Match preview

Indeed, Colchester had to wait an extra week to kick-off their season after their scheduled opening match against Swindon Town was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch, but their season is yet to truly get going.

An impressive 3-0 win away to Gillingham aside, The U's have been beaten four times in the league, while they were defeated on penalties by Cardiff City in the opening round of the EFL Cup.

As such, only goal difference is keeping them ahead of Sutton United in the first relegation spot ahead of this weekend's action, with Ben Garner's side defeated 1-0 by Walsall in their last match.

In truth, there was relatively little to split the two sides, with Isaac Hutchinson's strike five minutes after the hour mark proving to be the difference. Garner, who steered Colchester away from relegation danger following his appointment in March, will sense an opportunity to bounce back at the Colchester Community Stadium this weekend.

After all, Tranmere are also on three points themselves, having fallen to a fifth defeat in six league games at home to Wrexham last time out.

Aaron Hayden's goal for the visitors four minutes prior to the hour mark gave them a deserved victory, with Phil Parkinson's side having 23 shots and 17 corners across the course of the encounter, although Tranmere did enjoy more possession of the ball.

The Rovers boss Ian Dawes is facing significant pressure having only won three of his 18 games in charge since being appointed in March, with recent cup defeats to Leicester City and Fleetwood Town worsening his disappointing record.

Having finished progressively lower in League Two in their three seasons since being relegated from the third tier, there is a danger that Tranmere are sleeping towards falling out of the Football League altogether once again, making their trip to Essex a hugely important one on Saturday.

Colchester United League Two form:

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Colchester United form (all competitions):

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Tranmere Rovers League Two form:

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Tranmere Rovers form (all competitions):

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Team News

Colchester are likely to restore Matt Jay to their starting line-up after surprisingly only using him from the bench against Walsall, with the attacking midfielder potentially replacing Alex Newby to drift inside from the left flank.

Nothern Ireland international Cameron McGeehan has joined the club on a free transfer in recent days, but Saturday is likely to come soon for the midfielder to feature.

Tranmere, meanwhile, will travel without the suspended Dan Pike after he was sent off against Fleetwood in the Football League Trophy on Tuesday.

Youngsters Jake Leake and James Norris are likely to fight it out to come into the visitors' side at left-back, with Kristian Dennis and Connor Jennings set to continue in attack.

Colchester United possible starting lineup:

Goodman; Greenidge, Kelleher, Hall, Egbo; Fevrier, Read, Chilvers, Jay; Tovide, Taylor

Tranmere Rovers possible starting lineup:

McGee; Yarney, Davies, Turnbull, Leake; Morris, Merrie, Hendry; Dennis, Jennings, Hawkes

We say: Colchester United 1-1 Tranmere Rovers

Neither side has began the season very well, meaning there is likely to be a lack of confidence on display when the two teams take to the field on Saturday.

Having both lost all bar one of their matches, there could be an element of aiming to avoid another defeat, so we can envisage a share of the spoils ensuing.

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