COLCHESTER United travel to play Walsall this afternoon.

The U's are aiming to follow up their fine win over Tranmere Rovers last weekend with another victory when they take on the high-flying Saddlers, at the Poundland Bescot Stadium.

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 (kick-off 12.30pm).

Team news

Colchester will assess the fitness of forward Tom Hopper, who missed the win over Tranmere with a groin problem.

Hopper has returned to training so could return to the U’s squad for the game at Walsall.

(Image: STEVE BRADING)

Harry Anderson could be back after missing the Tranmere game with a groin injury but is more likely to return for the trip to Port Vale, next Tuesday.

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, Egbo, Goodliffe, Flanagan, Iandolo, Woodyard, Bishop, Payne, Edwards, Tovide, Taylor.

Walsall: Simkin, Weir, Okagbue, Williams, Barrett, Maher, Gordon, Stirk, Lakin, Lowe, Adomah.

Colchester head coach Danny Cowley:

“It’s a great game for us and one that we’re really looking forward to.

(Image: Richard Blaxall)

“I had the pleasure of going to Walsall on Tuesday night and watching them play Leicester.

“They’ve had a really good start to the season and they’re a really well-organised team.

“They’re very physical, very direct, play with a real intensity.

“They get lots of balls in your box, lots of numbers in your box and they also carry threat from set pieces and transitions, so they’ve got different ways of scoring goals.

“Defensively, they get organised very quickly and get into their back five and if you look at all of the metrics, they’ve done really well against the ball as well.

“So, it’s no surprise to me that they took a Premier League team all the way and it’s no surprise to me that they’re third in the division, at the moment and no doubt they’ll have aspirations of automatic promotion, this year.”

(Image: RICHARD BLAXALL)

Head to head

Ellis Iandolo is set to continue in his left-sided defensive role for Colchester this afternoon.

He is set to come up against veteran Albert Adomah, who clocked up his 700th career appearance on Tuesday night against Leicester City.

Opposition view

Walsall boss Mat Sadler (pictured below) told the club’s website: “The management team there is very experienced, (they) know what it’s all about.

"They’ve had good teams in the past and have put a good Colchester team together.

“We know it’s going to be a tough game, so I am under no surprises that they are having a good run at the moment because they are a very good team, have very good players and recruited well in the summer.

(Image: PA WIRE)

“They are motivated and determined to do well, so for us we need to be right on top of our game.

“We look forward to the challenge and playing at home, in front of our amazing supporters.”

Last meeting

Colchester and Walsall shared the points in a 1-1 draw when they last met, in March.

Taylor Allen gave the Saddlers the lead but Cameron McGeehan’s equaliser ensured the spoils were shared, at the JobServe Community Stadium.

(Image: STEVE BRADING)

Referee

The man in the middle today is Farai Hallam.

He has presided over seven games so far this season, showing 15 yellow cards and no reds.

Odds

Colchester are 16/5 to beat Walsall this afternoon, according to Paddy Power.

The Saddlers are 17/10 for the win, while the draw is 5/2.

League Two fixtures, today (3pm unless stated): Harrogate Town v Bradford City (12.30pm), Walsall v Colchester United (12.30pm), Bromley v MK Dons, Carlisle United v Grimsby Town, Cheltenham Town v Fleetwood Town, Doncaster Rovers v Chesterfield, Gillingham v Barrow, Morecambe v Notts County, Newport County v Crewe Alexandra, Port Vale v Swindon Town.