Colchester v Sheffield United: Match Guide & Betting

Billy Sharp in action against Colchester earlier this season

POSSIBLE TEAMS

Colchester United: Kean, Eastman, Wynter, Brindley, Briggs, Moncur, Gilbey, Garvan, Massey, Sordell, Porter.

Former Blade Chris Porter is now at Colchester

Sheffield United: Long, Brayford, Collins, Edgar, McEveley, Hammond, Basham, Woolford, Coutts, Sharp, Done.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Chris Porter, the former Sheffield United centre-forward, has scored 11 goals in 35 outings for Colchester since leaving Bramall Lane almost a year ago. Porter, who netted 23 times for United after arriving from Derby County in July 2011, has also represented Bury, Motherwell and Oldham Athletic. He completed loan spells with Shrewsbury Town and Chesterfield during his spell with United and was a member of the squad which reached the FA Cup semi-finals in 2014.

MAN IN THE MIDDLE

From Wiltshire, Brendan Malone averages 2.22 cautions per game so far this term compared to only 1.93 last season. He booked three players during Colchester’s FA Cup victory over Wealdstone in November.

HISTORY LESSON

Colchester have beaten Sheffield United only five times in 24 meetings. One of those victories, however, came at Bramall Lane earlier this season when they triumphed 3-2. United completed the league ‘double’ over their latest opponents last term and have won their last three outings at the Weston Homes Community Stadium, scoring seven goals in the process and conceding four. Colchester enter this game on the back of a victory after knocking Charlton Athletic out of the FA Cup.

BETTING

Colchester 12/5 Draw 12/5 Sheffield Utd 11/10

WORTH A PUNT

You can get 7/1 for Billy Sharp and Matt Done to both score

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