COLCHESTER United play host to Tranmere Rovers this afternoon.

The U's are aiming to follow up their midweek EFL Trophy win over MK Dons with another home victory, against Nigel Adkins’ side.

From likely line-ups to key men and the referee, all you need to know can be found below ahead of the League Two clash at the JobServe Community Stadium (kick-off 3pm).

Team news

Colchester will check on the fitness of winger Harry Anderson, ahead of the game against Tranmere.

The former Lincoln City favourite limped out of the U’s win over MK Dons on Tuesday night with a groin injury and will be assessed.

(Image: RICHARD BLAXALL)

Ben Goodliffe is likely to be fit despite having to go off with cramp in the second half of the Morecambe draw.

Colchester will be without Milton Oni for several months after he suffered a serious knee injury against Brentford last month.

Predicted line-ups:

Colchester United: Macey, Hunt, Goodliffe, Flanagan, Iandolo, Egbo, Bishop, Payne, Edwards, Tovide, Taylor.

Tranmere Rovers: McGee, Norman, Wood, Turnbull, Davies, Morris, Patrick, Hendry, O'Connor, Jennings, Davison

(Image: RICHARD BLAXALL)

Colchester head coach Danny Cowley:

“We expect a really tough challenge.

“Nigel Adkins is a really experienced manager, a successful manager and a super positive guy.

“They’ve assembled a good squad, a very experienced squad with lots of League Two knowhow.

“They’re a very competitive team who can mix their game up and can be a real threat in wide areas.”

Head to head

Lyle Taylor is aiming to score the 100th league goal of his career today against Tranmere.

Trying to stop is likely to be Connor Wood, who spent time on loan at the U’s in the 2022-23 season.

(Image: Richard Blaxall)

Opposition view

Tranmere boss Nigel Adkins told the club’s website: “Do we see a team that competes? Yes we do. Do we see a team that’s trying to win games of football? Yes we do. A team that’s defensively strong in their nature, a team together everyone achieves more and we’re with you, super white army.

“We desperately want to do well for us as a football club, for you as the fans, for us as a team.

“So we’re going to go down to Colchester, another journey but then we’ll be back at Prenton Park on Friday night under the lights – get yourself down to Prenton Park.”

(Image: Richard Blaxall)

Last meeting

Colchester played out a 1-1 draw with Tranmere when the two clubs last met, in April.

Kieron Morris gave Rovers a seventh-minute lead but Alistair Smith equalised a minute, to secure the U’s a point at Prenton Park.

Referee

The man in the middle today is Matthew Corlett.

He has presided over three games so far this season, showing 12 yellow cards and one red.

Odds

Colchester are 11/10 to beat Tranmere, according to bookmakers Paddy Power.

A Tranmere win is viewed at 5/2, while the draw is 23/10.

League Two fixtures, today (3pm unless stated): Accrington Stanley v Port Vale (12.30pm), Chesterfield v Cheltenham Town (12.30pm), Barrow v Newport County, Bradford City v AFC Wimbledon, Colchester United v Tranmere Rovers, Crewe Alexandra v Harrogate Town, Grimsby Town v Bromley, Milton Keynes Dons v Doncaster Rovers, Notts County v Gillingham, Salford City v Walsall, Swindon Town v Carlisle United.